English Article Vol. 4 No. 01 (2026): AL-ĪMĀN Research Journal (january-March 2026) Published 31-03-2026

Identity Reconstruction Struggles and Gender Dynamics of Couples Living with Involuntary Childlessness

Authors

  • Dr. Madiha Rauf Hashmi/ Nadeem* Dept of Gender and Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University. Pakistan Author
  • Prof Dr. Ra’ana Malik Dept of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab. Pakistan Author
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63283/IRJ.04.01/05
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Abstract

This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore involuntarily childless couples lived experiences of identity negotiation, meaning-making processes, and gendered expectations in the pro-natalist sociocultural context of Pakistan. In-depth interviews were completed, utilizing nine married couples, sampled purposefully from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds within urban & semi-urban areas of Lahore. Four emerged themes revealed the involuntary childlessness as construction of identities through meaning-making", demonstrates the ways the study's participants utilized their faith related belief systems, which helped reorganize the meanings associated with being childless into divine tests, opportunities for spiritual development, and manifestations of a loving God preparing them to cope with stressors associated with the world. Moreover, study participants had contradictory self-perceptions (as incomplete yet satisfied) as these perceptions were the result of strong negotiation processes between their internalized pro-natalist and subjective well-being values rather than adopting passive behaviors related to social customs. The secondary theme reinforced the use of compensatory relational strategies; for example, individuals who perform caretaking roles use this role for identity fulfillment. The third theme supported the notion that some couples have conflicting marital patterns, i.e., some couples express a strong dyadic integration, and others expressed their relationships in a deteriorative manner; especially reported by couples whose family systems do not provide sufficient support. The fourth theme highlighted significant gender differences; wives experience childlessness as an ontological degradation of their feminine identity, while men enjoy social privilege and assume gatekeeping function regarding matters associated with reproduction. The findings suggest that involuntary childlessness in Pakistan is a culturally embedded, relationally interceded, and significantly gendered phenomenon that challenges the Westernized, individualistic ideas of parenthood, where identity, and family status are achieved through relationships with spouse and interaction with family, society and religion.

Keywords

  • Involuntary Childlessness
  • Identity
  • Gender
  • Couples
  • Pakistan
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Author Biography

  • Dr. Madiha Rauf Hashmi/ Nadeem*, Dept of Gender and Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University.

    *Corresponding Author

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