What term is used to describe families who have not yet or have decided not to have children?

The term "Childless families" accurately identifies families who either have not yet had children or have made a conscious decision not to have children at all. This classification focuses specifically on the absence of children from the family structure, distinguishing them from other family types.

Understanding this term is crucial in family studies, as it emphasizes the different choices and circumstances surrounding family life. The dynamics, experiences, and social roles of childless families can vary significantly from those of families with children, impacting their social interactions, financial planning, and lifestyle decisions.

Other categories, such as extended families, nuclear families, and single-parent families, refer to different family structures that include varying numbers of children or specific parental situations, and do not focus on the absence of children. This specificity makes "Childless families" the correct term for describing families without children.