Ravens-
You would almost have to make it a poll to get any results compiled?
but your question seems twofold,
and a little more complicated than it first seems
(as Anastasia illustrated)
Maybe our situation, will also help illustrate that there can be so many
different scenerios,., that actual childbirth isnt a such a qualifying factor?
(though i do believe MANY couples do indeed have children together,or children
from previuos marriages that make up the family.)
I have a son,,from a previous marriage (widowed)
My wife is a wonderful mother, and is very family oriented, and takes our care and welfare quite personally as her main directive in life.
To the extreem at times in my mind.
It seems fundemental to her, and what she believes to be her role in the family as "wife" is very defined and exacting in her mind.
She also views the natural progression of any marriage includes having children together,but we do not have any yet.
She dolts over children in general,and our friends and relatives kids all adore her..
children a large part of life and she lights up around them.
All RW are individuals of course, but the desire to have a family ,and family life seems stronger as a generality.
it wasnt long ago that an unmarried RW of mid to late twenties,was viewed a bit odd or strange , and in need of hurrying to find a husband, or something was wrong with her.
that view may have changed some, but not all that drastically?
to be fair- I suppose it exists to a degree in the west as well..