How do accusations of selfishness toward child-free women actually expose the accuser’s own insecurities or their fixation with traditional roles?

[MzAsh]

[blueonblack22]

@MzAsh just curious how many men in real life (online doesn’t count) have given you negative criticism vs. other women. And JD Vance’s “single cat lady” comment years ago is an isolated incident.

He was honing more into how these women are miserable hence they want other people to be miserable too so they can feel better about themselves. He wasn’t necessarily attacking these women in themselves and the decisions they have made. But rather it about how they ACT towards everyone else especially when it comes to politics.

There is some truth to them this. Middle aged single and childless women are much more likely to support radical leftism which is attacking traditional masculinity. Also if fewer women want to settle down and get married it presents a growing challenge to men who do want that. They have fewer options to select from.

But when that’s all said and done you can do whatever you want. I sure as hell don’t want sharia law and forced marriages on western women. I am glad they have agency.

But I have personally made decisions I’ve regretted in my own life. But I don’t blame other people or “society” for my current state of being. And I’ve gotten negative/rude criticism as well. But again I don’t go around seeking “affirmation” from other people to feel better about myself.

[MzAsh]

The backlash against women choosing not to embrace motherhood isn’t as much about personal criticism as it is about a reflection of deeper societal anxieties about changing gender roles. It’s evident that opting out of motherhood is perceived as a rejection of men or their seed, and suggests that women’s life choices should somehow be about serving men’s preferences.

The attack on these freedoms, from reproductive rights to daily lifestyle choices, is often wrapped up in preserving a certain vision of masculinity that doesn’t necessarily serve all of society. It seeks to serve men and limit women. It’s evident in policies dominated by male perspectives, the double standards in behavior expected from men and women, and even extreme views pushed by “masculinity” thought leaders that perpetuate more freedoms for men and less for women. Is it any wonder why there’s a pushback against that?

This isn’t aimed to seek validation as it is about challenging why these traditional roles are so fiercely guarded and why deviations from them are met with such resistance. We need to examine why the idea of women making choices for their happiness strikes such a nerve. I have my own theories but was curious what others had to say.

[blueonblack22]

“ it is about a reflection of deeper societal anxieties about changing gender roles.”

Sounds like someone has spent an inordinate amount of time trying to “research” all of this. Someone is very motivated to have their POV and life decisions reaffirmed.

But I don’t buy it. And it would be in my best interest to buy it too but I’m not. I’m single and childless myself. So supporting your POV would likewise make me feel better about myself. But I am not going to do that. I have the capacity to play devils advocate when it comes to reality even though it hurts my own personal position.

Mother Nature instilled a drive in men and woman the drive to bind and procreate to further humanity. Sure some people are homosexual. But that is also an evolutionary drive to prevent overpopulation.

In a healthy relationship the man improves the woman and vice versa. Healthy doesn’t mean “easy”. Far from it. It’s always a challenge to partner with someone who thinks differently. But that challenge is what IMPROVES men and woman.

Also when they have children together they serve a purpose to further their own DNA. It forced many people to “grow up” and mature because they now have a major responsibility. I just don’t get how it is “freedom” to embrace your own extinction?

That’s not say all men and women are meant to be parents. Some are definitely not. But intentionally destroying family bonds and marriage in the name of a social construct of “freedom” ultimately leads to long term depression and lack of interpersonal development.

I know you will never admit to it. But I truly believe you would never wasted your time posting this question or providing detailed rebuttals to detractors if you didn’t have deep down cognitive dissonance about all of this.

And again agreeing with you would likewise make me feel better about myself. But I know the truth and the POV you provided above ultimately leads to unhappiness.

[MzAsh]

Well, I’m a relationship coach, so I have spent years analyzing the dynamics between men and women, and the reality is that men and women are judged differently when it comes to parenthood. Society allows us to choose our paths, yet women are often criticized more harshly for opting out of motherhood. Why? Because it disrupts traditional expectations.

I’m a married woman of 17 years, and yes, I could still be a parent if I wanted to be. But my husband and I chose differently, knowing our life is meant for other purposes. This choice shouldn’t be controversial, yet it seems to unsettle many, particularly men, as we’ve established it means fewer options for them.

I raise this discussion not to affirm my lifestyle but confronting the biases that restrict women’s choices. I wanted to address why women’s decisions about their bodies and lives are still up for public debate and why that needs to end.

[blueonblack22]

Alright thank you for your background.

But women are usually voluntarily single. That is not the same for men when compared to his equal female counterpart.

Single hood rates are record highs particularly for men under 30. www.reddit.com/.../

Now is affirming to women that it’s okay to be childless gong to make them more apt to be in committed relationships? I highly doubt about it.

[blueonblack22]

Also @MzAsh if you would of provided more context in your original question that you have been married for 17 years along with your occupation then some people might of responded differently to this question. You would of still gotten some negative feedback still but your background would have helped.

But telling women to follow their proverbial “heart” doesn’t always mean they will make good long term decisions if they are indulging the short term. And their decisions have far reaching impacts that go beyond their own lives.

Again not to say they should be “controlled”. But women really are the gatekeepers of dating, sex, marriage and child bearing. Their decisions will have major impacts on both themselves and their male counterparts.

[MzAsh]

It seems we might not be fully acquainted yet. Many others here have awareness of my background, but I don’t recall many conversations with you. In my coaching practice, I emphasize the value of understanding committed relationships, with or without children. Many women, including myself, come to realize the gap between the societal fantasy of motherhood and its challenging realities, leading us to explore alternative paths. Being married for 17 years without children, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits and also heard many women express how motherhood wasn’t what they expected. I definitely agree that it’s important for women to reflect on their long term desires and make choices that truly align with their longer term personal and professional goals.

[MzAsh]

Also I want to clarify that no one expects parenthood to be easy. However, many women find that, for example, the traditional division of labor in between husbands and wives doesn’t align with their overall life goals, especially in an economy that demands 2-3 full time incomes for one household.

[blueonblack22]

There can be an economic debate for not having children. I get that. However it’s ironic that educated people including high earners are opting out of having children. I have a good friend who is a 28 year old attorney. He’s in perfect health, mentally grounded, obviously well educated and a high income earner. Yet decided to get a vasectomy a year ago because he has no desire to have children.

On one end I can respect his decision. It’s his body and I much rather have him prevent an accident from happening vs. being a situation where he doesn’t want to be a father. But still social contagion is impacting this.

When people have children it often completed a “maturity circuit” for the final stages of adulthood. My little bother was a real partying “bro dude” ladies man in his 20s. Then he had an accident with a girl he was casually dating.

Fortunately they decided to keep the baby. Even more fortunately they got serious and got married and 10 years later are still happily married today.

My brother grew up FAST when he became a father. Changed his attitude quickly. He was much more concerned about his career, education and investing. Because now it was just about him anymore.

Anyway while you cogently argued some good points I also categorically disagree with “this about combatting patriarchy” overtones. It’s not like every man is an absentee and/or controlling partner and/or father when he had kids.

Again some women and men are better off never having kids. That’s true. But the ones who are in the “gray zone” are getting pushed in the wrong direction.

[Lliam]

I mostly hear certain types of conservative men complaining about that. Why do they care how other people choose to live their lives?
Why don't they just marry a woman who shares their desire for children and mind their own business?

Yes, they have a fixation on so-called "traditional" roles. They have some kind of fetish for women getting pregnant, giving birth, and settling down to be barefoot, subservient housewives. They don't think women are good for anything else or should want anything else out of life. Those guys have patriarchal views. I assume most of them have fundamentalist religious beliefs.

They want to control women's bodies. They are the ones who oppose abortion and even contraception.

They are also the ones who think that women who have sex before marriage are sluts.

Some woman share those same traditional, fundamentalist, patriarchal values.
And some women who criticize childless women might be jealous because they miss the freedom they enjoyed before they got married to an ass hole and had kids.

Fuck all bossy, judgmental people who try to force their provincial values on others.

I never wanted the burden of children and I thank the gods for contraception. All my girlfriends were on the pill until they were ready to get married and start families.

Who said that a woman can't have a totally fulfilling life unless she has brats to care for? Kids actually limit a person's freedom to do lots of fun and fulfilling things.

That's not to say that there is any at all wrong with having children. I 100% support people who choose to do so. And some people think kids are the most fulfilling thing they can do. That's great.

But I have disdain for people who think it should be an obligation or that women, in particular, who don't have kids are somehow inferior.

[CB-Raido-Time]

You thank the gods for contraception? There is only one God and one Son Jesus Christ. You have exposed not only who you are but what you are which is DECEIVED.

[Lliam]

@CB-Raido-Time. ROFL Yup. I love having sex with women and I don't want to get them pregnant ever time I do. I've splooged up inside women well over 5,000 times and couldn't be happier. It's one of life's greatest gifts.

I don't give a fuck about the attitudes of sexually inhibited Bible thumpers. They can bend over for Jesus.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

When it comes to women making such accusations, I imagine it’s a way to try and validate their choices they’re not currently satisfied with. A lot of women will end up in more or less mediocre marriages to mediocre men who have a “default” parenting style that places all the pressure to solve the child’s problems on the mother, ie baby’s crying in the middle of playtime? Hand them to mom to solve it. I can see how that would be exhausting to have a partner that can barely meet the bare minimum, and seeing someone who has none of those problems at all would be frustrating to know that was a choice they could have made and didn’t. It’s a projection of their regret.

[Account]

Best answer.

[FreyaRed]

Elites need slaves for war and for work, when you don't give them any they are mad. They thought they can import billions from third world countries but the truth is third world is the shit hole it is because of third worldlers.

[Zack-Bann]

Oh yes the phrasing of that question is not toxic at all
Clearly you’re not complexed by the idea that no one wanted to mix their genes with yours and the cats might be cute but they will never truly love you


Attacking those who were strong enough to actually procreate doesn’t make you the bigger person.


Just a pathetic one

[MzAsh]

Exactly how is the question toxic?

[Zack-Bann]

You’re assuming that the excuser insecure
The premise itself is false

No one is insecure about child free women.

[MzAsh]

So what’s with the hateful rhetoric then?

[Zack-Bann]

A simple statement of facts. Nothing hateful to it

I do wish you all the best

But I don’t like it when people passive aggressively attack other people for making different choices in life

[MzAsh]

I don’t either. I’ve had people admit to me they’re insecure around child free women.

[Zack-Bann]

While I’ve never met anyone that admits to being “insecure” about anything I will chose to believe you

But you should know. Some people say stuff to make others feel better so there’s also that chance

[MzAsh]

Regardless, I catch heat for being child free as well as many other women and I’m digging into the truth about why.

[Shamalien]

She has no self awareness on this matter lol but good try brother

[MzAsh]

@Shamalien what makes you say that?

[ShadezMcgee]

Couldn't we say the same for women that are childless doing that to women who embrace traditional lifestyles of getting married and having children over being single and accomplishing being wealth seekers or being a prominent figurehead for feminists?

I have seen women just as toxic and condescending to women that embrace that lifestyle over being child free, Ash. I would say the women that do that are just as insecure. So why flaunt it?

[MzAsh]

You’re right, judgment can cut both ways. But though any choice can draw flak, society definitely seems to have a bigger issue with women who choose not to have kids. I mean, when was the last time you heard a politician grilling women for having children? That just doesn’t happen. But opt out of motherhood and suddenly everyone has an opinion. Every time I talk about being child free, it rattles some cages. It alludes to a deeper unease with women taking paths that aren’t tied to traditional roles.

[ShadezMcgee]

True, you may not hear politicians grilling women for having children, but we can also make the argument that there are women that shouldn't have children because there are some that use them to exploit government programs and alimony from men. Either way, let's get back to your point.

How exactly are you bringing it up about being childless though? Like I said, there is a difference between being condescending and rude to those who embrace the lifestyle of children and tradition and then there are more civil ones. How does the conversation start typically when you find yourself in those moments?

So for example when I see your caption in this picture here "As a childless cat lady, it's my duty to embrace my pastimes that my peers cannot, as they have sacrificed their time to maintain the population. I must vibe, chill and do all the fun things, in their honor."

Maybe your were trying to be witty and funny, I don't know, but from the outside looking in, it does come across as a knock on women that don't do what you are doing. These women did sacrifice their time to raise a child. And sure, if they didn't do that they could be in the same boat as you. At the end of the day, it was a sacrifice that they made that I truly believe you don't understand or can really comment on because you have made it clear you want nothing to do with children. I look at that and it comes across as "you all messed up, so I will enjoy what you could have had." Now sure, I could be projecting here, but again, from the outside looking in, it does come off as catty and mocking.

[ShadezMcgee]

(Cont.)

I believe a lot of this comes from the fact that people find women that choose to forgo kids (that is fine, more power to them) is that it comes with the belief they are trying to be impressionable and persuade younger women to do the same as them. To pursue careers, be independent, not have a kid, and get married to a compliant and submissive man.

Now say that we have impressionable young women that take these words to heart and years down the line say they are not happy in life despite having money, being childless, etc. Deep down, and research supports it, women are tend to be happier when supporting and raising kids and having a family.

[Lliam]

You didn't answer the question. You just redirected it.

[MzAsh]

Discussions about being child free often stem from more general conversations about balancing career and relationship roles, which is a part of my coaching purpose. For instance, when I share insights from my own life, it frequently prompts questions about children and their place in my story. When I clarify that children aren’t currently part of my life by choice, this can sometimes trigger a reaction where people feel I’m defying nature or denying my partner a legacy. It’s an interesting reflection of the deep seated societal norms and expectations surrounding women and motherhood.

This caption was an Instagram reel, and it was intended as a light hearted acceptance of my role, not an attack of those who choose to have children. So I’m curious what about it makes you think it’s an attack on women who choose to have children? Why is any celebration of a child free life often seen as a slight against those who decide differently? Where do you think this perspective comes from?

I often wonder if there’s truly harm in young women looking up to older, child free women like myself. My aim is to empower young women to follow the path that resonates most, whether that involves marriage, children, both, or none. All choices should be validated and respected as long as they align with what someone genuinely wants for their life. Because I believe promoting this variety of choices is important for true personal freedom and happiness.

[ShadezMcgee]

That would be expected because the average marriage will more than likely have children come into question or the couple may want them which will bring the work and lifestyle balance into play with who does what. I know you and I have had numerous conversations regarding roles and who does what, but I won't go down that rabbit hole here though. I feel you have a point that ingrained tradition will come as a shock when you go against it to others who want familial life, however it may also be a little bit jarring to those who seek your guidance as a coach too because a lot of coaches also have kids, so talking to one who doesn't have one or want one can maybe give them hesitancy or put them off.

Now I admitted I was projecting a bit with my statement and believed you said that in a way to be funny, but it is also hard to interpret a message over media as well, no different from text. Tonality can be easily misinterpreted because you are not speaking face to face with the person. Regardless, that was the way I took it. I feel the celebration of child free life gets slighted because it goes against tradition and more people seem to be preaching it at the end of the day on others that are growing and learning more about themselves which can create a level of influence to a degree and erase something that has been established. Society and cultural norms are being pushed in that direction now via media, entertainment, etc which is consumed by many.

[ShadezMcgee]

I don't believe there is harm in looking up to women like you, however I feel there needs to be a level of caution and judgment exercised by each individual who consumes content or seeks out help from people like you too. To put it simply, you are a known presence in the dating realm and have content published with your blog which brings a level of responsibility. To your credit you at least in this last part of your response here encourage multiple paths for women.

The same cannot be said for other coaches. We see the plethora of coaches out here that have audiences that get so lost in what is preached and not offer nuance that it is easy to slot others into specific groups or narratives being pushed. So admittedly on my end, one reason why I poke at your bits on here is because unless I pull it out of you with these discussions, from my point of view you don't offer a lot of nuance.

[HighValue]

I haven't seen that. What I actually have seen often is older women that are past the age of being likely to have healthy offspring get angry at men that are not interested in her for that reason. That happens a lot, especially with users on this site.

[MzAsh]

I wouldn’t say there’s no reason to get angry, just disinterested. Obviously women aren’t really going to want the guy only interested in her for her ability to give him children.

[Unit1]

Woah. That quote and picture is fitting!

But to answer your question - yes. Those accusers are butting into none of their businesses. Misery loves company. They most likely are jealous they don't get to have time and money to enjoy a winded down life.

[Billlewis]

I have a hard time understanding how a woman who chooses to put her career ahead of other things in her life could be considered selfish. As I've often said, I view selfishness as a very appealing personality trait among women, but the decision to avoid having children, particularly in light of the astronomical financial burden it places on her, should not be viewed as selfish, in my opinion.

[Garud]

If a woman knows beforehand that if she gives birth to a child, that child will have to suffer a lot in this world, then to save that child from that pain, she decides not to give birth to him. This means that she is one of the most caring mothers in the world.

[ManInChains]

That makes no sense at all

[loveslongnails]

How? Blatantly in my opinion. Telling people they're selfish, be it a woman or a couple, because they choose not to raise children, is the equivalent of telling someone you're going to eternal damnation if you don't believe in my God.

There are countless reasons for choosing not to have children, and if they're your reasons, they're all good reasons. There are far too many people that choose to have children that shouldn't be parents, in my humble opinion!

[Snakeyes7]

Though I do agree that it should be up to the individual whether or not to have children, I think these people worry about too many people going this route as our low birth rates currently show.

If we aren't careful, our population could collapse, and that could spell bad news for a society that has plans for an ever expanding population as there won't be as many roles that will go filled.

[MzAsh]

Our global population is now 8 billion. It was only 5 billion when I was a kid. We’re expected to reach 10 billion by 2080.

[Snakeyes7]

That will be the case if we are above replacement, but we aren't.

[ClassicDropout]

We have enough people. Nobody is obligated to have kids. People that think otherwise are weird. Before you tell someone else to have kids, go adopt a dying orphan first.

[RingOfFire]

Translation:

I feel guilty about my choices in life so I'm going to express it by committing the same act of fixation on my insecurities that I am accusing my critics of.

[MzAsh]

We’re merely celebrating individual life choices. If that seems like guilt to you, it might be worth considering who’s really feeling insecure about their choices.

[Shamalien]

I’m impressed that other men noticed what I immediately noticed. All I could muster was a big laugh though, your comment is not going to suddenly make her aware of how obvious her motivations appear to us

[RingOfFire]

I see this often. I don't think it takes Sigmund Freud to figure out the psychology. I don't like to pick on people who do this because they clearly are already suffering. Although it's unlikely, my hope is that they won't summarily dismiss what I say like this person did but learn from it and help them climb out of their self-inflicted suffering.

[blueonblack22]

@RingOfFire bingo. This question is about seeking affirmation as usual.

[MzAsh]

How effective do you think it is to help someone “learn” and grow if you start by dismissing their perspectives as self inflicted suffering?

[RingOfFire]

Got your attention didn't it? Solving personal problems begins with recognizing that you have one.

[MzAsh]

It makes sense one might want to get my attention that way, but it only affirms the notion that women rejecting motherhood hits a nerve.

[jshm2]

No.

They are usually asking why you are smelling of cats and wine, while claiming to be a functional adult. They have kids as an excuse, and are unsure of your dysfunction.

[ManInChains]

Is it wrong for men to not want children? Why does everything have to be about women?

[MzAsh]

No it’s not wrong for anyone to not want children. And that brings up a good point too. Plenty of men don’t want kids, yet no one dares to talk back to them about it.

[ManInChains]

Men should just not have sex with women. They’re allowing women to control their future by having sex with them. The sooner men figure this out the better

[MzAsh]

Ha good luck with that. Women are irresistible to men. Men by nature want to have sex with women. It’s biology.

[ManInChains]

Hey if men want to ruin their own lives why the hell should I care! Fathers are irrelevant and disposable. At least I’ll be living a long life able to do whatever I want while they have to get their bitch’s permission to take a piss

[MzAsh]

Well, quality men know how to choose the right woman who won’t make their life miserable.

[ManInChains]

Riiiight it’s because of the men so choose these women and not because the women themselves are shit. We shouldn’t focus on why they’re shit. They’re women after all

[MzAsh]

You’re free to start a topic on that if you want. That’s just not what this thread is about.

[ManInChains]

I guess conversations can’t divert from the topic if you’re a man taking to a bitch

[MzAsh]

Just trying to keep the conversation productive

[ManInChains]

Riiiiight 😂

[MzAsh]

Exactly right.

[ManInChains]

Definitely not trying to control the conversation like women are known to do with everything else

[MzAsh]

Well I’m not going to allow you to take over with your attitude. That’s for sure. So, enough.

[Dargil]

What's wrong with a fixation with traditional roles? Is that supposed to be bad?

[Lliam]

It is when you think your fixation is the only way to be normal. What's wrong with people just following their own bliss? Why would someone care if some women choose not to have kids?

[MzAsh]

Traditional roles aren’t bad, if that’s what you want. It’s the expectation for everyone to fall in line with them that is.

[Dargil]

Free will involves enjoying the benefits and accepting the consequences. Sounds reasonable to me.

[gatixek710]

It’s so funny the lengths women go to in order to justify not having children. As if saying it often enough will make them believe it.

[MzAsh]

Perhaps it’s not them who need to believe it, but everyone else who needs to get over it. Personal decisions don’t require public approval.

[Juxtapose]

Yeah women don't need permission to be child free. There's absolutely no shame in not having kids.

[Juxtapose]

Hell, I don't need permission either.

[chocolatetwopointo]

why are you so against people who dont want kids? what if ur kid won't want a kid, what will u do then?

[gatixek710]

@chocolatetwopointo Because this new symptom of women not wanting children is a result of our current toxic narcissistic nihilist culture. It's a cancer on western society.

[chocolatetwopointo]

@gatixek710 so you’d rather want unwanted children on earth that will prob be traumatised bc their parents didn't want them?

[gatixek710]

@chocolatetwopointo Do you have any statistics that back up the # of children unwanted vs. wanted?

[chocolatetwopointo]

wdym statistics? if u force people who dont want kids to get kids they will obvi not like them and maybe even go as far as abuse

[MzAsh]

What makes you believe that not wanting children is a “symptom” of a toxic culture, rather than a personal choice influenced by individual circumstances or preferences?

[gatixek710]

@MzAsh because it correlates with our toxic culture. Feminism - like most marxist theories - requires the destruction of the family.

[MzAsh]

What do you think would make motherhood more appealing to women today?

[gatixek710]

Well first we have to attack abortion. Women seemingly take glee in murdering their unborn children nowadays. We have to make people (women in particular) understand that this vapid narcissistic culture is making them miserable (hence a gigantic portion of women on antidepressants).

[MzAsh]

Your answer missed the mark on my original question. I asked for your thoughts on what could make motherhood more appealing to them, not an attack on women’s choices. Criticizing and restricting women’s rights isn’t going to make them want to become mothers. Let’s try this again. What positive changes do you think would actually encourage women to embrace motherhood willingly?

[gatixek710]

I told you. Get rid of the toxic aspects of our culture.

[MzAsh]

Could you specify which aspects you think are toxic and how exactly removing them would encourage women to choose motherhood?

[gatixek710]

It's toxic to promote killing your unborn children.
It's toxic to have social media
It's toxic to put believe you're the most important person in your life and all your decisions should be based on what makes you happy
It's toxic to promote that working for a corporation making powerpoints for $60k is more fulfilling than motherhood
It's toxic to believe children are drains

[MzAsh]

Trying to dictate what happiness should look like for women, whether through motherhood or careers, misses the point. Why not encourage women to make their own choices without judgment? How can we support women to choose motherhood if that’s their path, without belittling their other ambitions?

[gatixek710]

Y’all are chucking down antidepressants like they’re tic tacs. The current state of affairs isn’t exactly happiness.

[MzAsh]

How do you think limiting women’s rights to choice, work, and social media is a way to address that?

[gatixek710]

You’re making the wrong choices left to your own devices, apparently.

[MzAsh]

Everyone makes decisions in life that someone else doesn’t like. What makes you think your approval is required?

[gatixek710]

I’m not the one on antidepressants.

[MzAsh]

With your attitude, it might not be a bad idea.

[gatixek710]

Always someone else’s fault, eh?

[MzAsh]

Didn’t say anything like that.

[gatixek710]

If I’m the cause of your depression then it’s time I take responsibility for fixing it.

[MzAsh]

No you’re going to take the responsibility of getting over it that women are going to do what they want, not what you want.

[Juxtapose]

I find the idea of subjugating women because you supposedly know what is best for them to be repugnant.

[Grond21]

Sometimes it is exposing their own insecurities, and other times they are correct. It just depends on the people

[Smegskull]

I think it just shows that you think in different time frames.
What is moral on a 5 year scale and what is moral 50 year scale is not necessarily the same thing.

[ChefPapiChulo]

Like hanging out in a kiddie pool lol? People with kids can do that too.

[MzAsh]

Not with peace and quiet lol

[ChefPapiChulo]

Get a babysitter.

[jahaims]

Not every opinion is rooted in insecurities

[MzAsh]

True, not every opinion is rooted in insecurity, but how do we differentiate between opinions that stem from personal values versus those shaped by societal pressure or fear of change?

[Smegskull]

People are incentive driven so you could look to see what incentives there are for them to shape their opinions to societal pressure. Basically how dependent on society are they.
E. g A person who can hunt and feed themselves, build a shelter, defend themselves, and be comfortable alone probably isn't dependent enough on society to be so easily reshaped by it.

[Shamalien]

HAHAH, HAHAHAHHAHA