Sex Doesn't Mean Kids

A really interesting article appeared in the Los Angeles Times highlighting a new study that revealed 30% of women in Germany have no children. Furthermore, the number jumps to 40% when targeting college graduates. The author of the article, David P. Barash, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington says this new revelation spotlights what makes humans unique--the ability to say no, particularly toward our own genes.

In the article, Barash notes a shift in human reproductive behavior from an "r" type to a "K" type. "r" species such as mice and rabbits breed early and often because of high mortality rate, "K" species like elephants and whales breed later and less often and invest more in each offspring. With the rise in birth control humans can now indulge in sexual pleasure for themselves; if they decide they want a child, the focus now more than ever is on the quality of life for that child.

Married with children has been the longstanding portrait of post-wedding life. Pull out your camera phone and take a new picture because it seems the world is changing.