A recent study has found that climate change and racial concerns are leading some young people of color to reconsider having children. The study's author, Jade S. Sasser, argues that these concerns are valid and reflect the unique challenges that these youth face.
Climate change and racial inequality are two of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. For young people of color, these issues are often intertwined, creating a complex set of challenges and concerns. A recent study by Jade S. Sasser, an associate professor in the department of gender and sexuality studies at UC Riverside, has found that these concerns are leading some young people of color to reconsider having children.
Sasser's study, which was published in the journal "Gender & Society," interviewed 26 millennials and members of Generation Z, all of whom were people of color. The study found that climate change was a major concern for all of the participants, and that many of them were worried about the impact that it would have on their future children.
Climate Change Concerns and Identity Politics: Gen Z and Millennial POC Rethink Parenthood
"With climate change, we're the driving force of things breaking down, but then also, the planet's going to do what the planet's going to do... So... it almost feels, like, kind of shameful to want to have children," said Melanie, a 26-year-old Native American woman who participated in the study.
Other participants cited environmental and mental health concerns as reasons for being wary of having children. "Her friends cite environmental and mental health concerns. Their anxiety tells them that they can't properly take care of themselves, much less a child," Sasser wrote, referring to a 23-year-old Mexican American woman named Juliana.
Climate Change Concerns and Identity Politics: Gen Z and Millennial POC Rethink Parenthood
In addition to climate change, racism was also a major concern for many of the participants. "With all of the anti-Black violence, and the police violence against us, it just seems so unsafe. And I see so many of my friends who do have children that are constantly stressed because of this, especially the ones who have teenage boys who are taller than average," said Rosalind, a 38-year-old Black woman of Caribbean origin.
Sasser's study is an important contribution to the growing body of research on climate change and its impact on young people. The study's findings underscore the need for policymakers to address the concerns of young people of color when it comes to climate change and racial inequality.
Climate Change Concerns and Identity Politics: Gen Z and Millennial POC Rethink Parenthood
It is important to note that not all young people of color are choosing to not have children because of climate change and racism. However, the study's findings do suggest that these issues are having a significant impact on the reproductive decisions of some young people of color.
Sasser's study also highlights the importance of intersectionality when it comes to understanding the experiences of young people of color. Climate change and racial inequality are not separate issues for these youth; rather, they are two sides of the same coin.
Climate Change Concerns and Identity Politics: Gen Z and Millennial POC Rethink Parenthood
The study's findings also underscore the need for more research on the experiences of young people of color who are parenting in the face of climate change and racial inequality. These youth are facing unique challenges and deserve our support.
