May 29, 2025 01:32 PM
Are dogs replacing babies in countries with declining birth rates?
https://www.sciencealert.com/are-dogs-re...irth-rates
EXCERPTS: . . . While there are undoubtedly dog owners who see little distinction, the researchers say it's generally the exception to the rule.
"We would like to point out that, contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children," says Kubinyi. "In most cases, dog parents choose dogs precisely because they are not like children, and they acknowledge their species-specific needs."
Following a comprehensive review of the literature on the topic, Gillet and Kubinyi argue our strong desire to love and support isn't species-specific. Dogs and babies aren't mutually exclusive, with plenty of room for both in our hearts. If not our wallets.
Socio-cultural pressures of having children rule them out for many young adults, leaving canine companions to reap the benefits of time, money, and snuggles. "Despite the high dependency and attachment of dogs to their caregivers, in the eyes of many, commitments coming with dog ownership remain less burdensome than child parenting," says Gillet.
Financially speaking, the expense of raising a child in the US has steadily increased in recent years. One survey estimates in just the past two years alone, costs have surged by an astonishing 35.7 percent.
Throw in concerns over the kind of world we're leaving future generations, a perceived loneliness of parents – particularly mothers – in the midst of changing family structures, and pressures on women in the workforce, babies are an investment fewer people are willing to make in the Western world.
That doesn't necessarily mean dogs are filling this gap. Rather, the empty nesters can simply afford the pet that parents may otherwise have never committed to.
[...] This research was published in European Psychologist..... (MORE - missing details)
https://www.sciencealert.com/are-dogs-re...irth-rates
EXCERPTS: . . . While there are undoubtedly dog owners who see little distinction, the researchers say it's generally the exception to the rule.
"We would like to point out that, contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children," says Kubinyi. "In most cases, dog parents choose dogs precisely because they are not like children, and they acknowledge their species-specific needs."
Following a comprehensive review of the literature on the topic, Gillet and Kubinyi argue our strong desire to love and support isn't species-specific. Dogs and babies aren't mutually exclusive, with plenty of room for both in our hearts. If not our wallets.
Socio-cultural pressures of having children rule them out for many young adults, leaving canine companions to reap the benefits of time, money, and snuggles. "Despite the high dependency and attachment of dogs to their caregivers, in the eyes of many, commitments coming with dog ownership remain less burdensome than child parenting," says Gillet.
Financially speaking, the expense of raising a child in the US has steadily increased in recent years. One survey estimates in just the past two years alone, costs have surged by an astonishing 35.7 percent.
Throw in concerns over the kind of world we're leaving future generations, a perceived loneliness of parents – particularly mothers – in the midst of changing family structures, and pressures on women in the workforce, babies are an investment fewer people are willing to make in the Western world.
That doesn't necessarily mean dogs are filling this gap. Rather, the empty nesters can simply afford the pet that parents may otherwise have never committed to.
[...] This research was published in European Psychologist..... (MORE - missing details)
