This paper presents a discussion of the importance of voluntary childlessness as a contemporary social phenomenon. The negative attitudes associated with voluntary childlessness are discussed in a brief summary of recent literature. An exploration of the methodological limitations of existing research is included which emphasizes its usefulness for hypothesis formation and points to the need for more in-depth studies. A research strategy based in a theoretical foundation is outlined in terms of five propositions dealing with both the antecedents and consequences of fertility choices, including: (1) the husband's and wife's freedom from traditional sex role identification; (2) sex role identification and fertility values formed by experiences in the family of origin; (3) decision-making patterns in the marriage; (4) the quality of a marriage without children; and (5) the potential for individual development in a childless marriage. A chart illustrating a schema for couple's development is also provided. (Author/MCF)