PERSEPSI PEREMPUAN GENERASI MILENIAL TERHADAP KEHADIRAN ANAK: KAJIAN PENDAHULUAN

The presence of children is interpreted as the hope of the family, the successor of offspring, the bearer of happiness and blessings. But along with the times, many married couples choose not to have children, this is certainly contrary to the construction of Indonesian society related to the concept of the ideal family. This can be seen from the decline in Total Fertility Rate in Indonesia. This study used descriptive quantitative methods with purposive sampling techniques based on criteria, namely women aged 27-35 years who belonged to the millennial generation a total of 50 respondents. Primary data sources through online penelitians. This study uses Schmitt & Schmitt's theory of direct and constructive perception to see the influence of internal and external factors in the formation of perception. The results show that individual internal and external factors influence millennial women's perceptions of the presence of children in marriage. Then, the millennial generation who prioritizes maturity, stability and readiness from various factors, interprets the presence of children in the family is not a necessity and does not make children the only source of happiness even though it is undeniable that children become a complement to the family. Further studies are needed to obtain more comprehensive data. In addition, premarital education and counseling programs, gender equality campaigns, and community support and social networks can be used as recommendations. Keywords: perception, millennial, child, marriage