Socius: Social Sciences Research Journal
Vol 3, No 5 (2025): December 2025

Shifts in Modern Commitment: The Phenomenon of Fear of Marriage and Childfree from an Evolutionary Psychology Perspective

Ajra, Nabila Atika (Unknown)
Desina, Mela (Unknown)
Lestari, Yuliana Intan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Dec 2025

Abstract

The phenomena of fear of marriage (gamophobia) and the choice to live a childfree life have become increasingly prominent among younger generations, reflecting a shift in values regarding commitment, marriage, and reproduction. This article aims to analyze these phenomena through the perspective of evolutionary psychology. Using a qualitative literature review approach, this study examines scholarly books and journal articles related to gamophobia, childfree lifestyles, life history theory, and evolutionary mismatch. The findings indicate that fear of marriage can be understood as an adaptive response to the high evolutionary costs of long-term commitment, including perceived threats to autonomy, relational instability, and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the decision to remain childfree represents an alternative reproductive strategy when environmental conditions are perceived as unfavorable for parental investment. These results suggest that contemporary attitudes toward marriage and reproduction are not merely a rejection of traditional norms but reflect adaptive psychological strategies in response to modern social and ecological pressures.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

Socius

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Socius: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-ilmu Sosial is a multi and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed academic research journal serving the broad social sciences community. The journal welcomes excellent contributions that advance our understanding on a broad range of topics including anthropology, sociology, ...