Joan Smith

In the following viewpoint, Joan Smith argues that women, such as herself, who have chosen not to have children are unfairly criticized by society. She asserts that society views childless women as bizarre and selfish and that childlessness is considered acceptable only if the woman is physically unable to have children or has chosen a religious career over heterosexual relations. She advocates that women should have the right to make different lifestyle choices without being punished. Smith is a journalist and the author of numerous novels and nonfiction works, including Different for Girls: How Culture Creates Women, from which this viewpoint is taken.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are some of the reactions encountered by women who say they do not want to have children, according to the author?
2. According to...