Journal of Islamic and Law Studies (JILS)
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Special Issue: International Conference on: "Inclusive Legal Futures: Islamic P

Childfree Is Not A Disgrace For Women: Harmonizing the Stoicism-Mubadalah Paradigm in Fighting Stigma and Gender Discrimination

Maliki, Ibnu Akbar (Unknown)
Zhafira, Annisa Ranah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jul 2025

Abstract

Women's decision not to have children (childfree) is always labeled as an act that violates social norms. This is further exacerbated by patriarchal religious interpretations that limit women's roles to the domestic sphere. This social construct often leads to discrimination against childfree women and ignores their right to determine their own happiness in life. This article analyzes the childfree choice as a manifestation of women's pursuit of happiness and autonomy through the lens of Stoic philosophy and the Mubadalah paradigm of reciprocity. This descriptive qualitative study uses literature review with primary data from the book “Qira'ah Mubadalah” by Faqihuddin Abdul Kodir and “Filosofi Teras” by Henri Manampiring, as well as secondary data from various relevant literature. Data was collected through documentation techniques and analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study show that Stoicism and Mubadalah create a strong paradigm to counter stigma and gender discrimination against childfree women. Despite originating from different traditions, both offer significant support for childfree women. Stoicism empowers individuals to find happiness from within, through control over thoughts and internal responses to external pressures, including social stigma. On the other hand, Mubadalah provides a strong theological foundation for deconstructing patriarchal narratives in religious interpretations that limit women's roles to reproductive functions. Both approaches emphasize individual freedom in determining one's life path, focusing on internal quality of life, and recognizing happiness as a dynamic process. Ultimately, this study affirms that discrimination against childfree women is an act that is inconsistent with human values and inclusive religious teachings, and therefore needs to be addressed with a more just and equitable understanding

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jils

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Islamic and Law Studies is a multi-disciplinary publication dedicated to the scholarly study of all aspects of science and of the Islamic in Indonesia. Particular attention is paid to works dealing with history geography political science economics anthropology sociology law ...