Dogs surpassing children in certain aspects? Affirmative response given. - Rethinking Family Life: Is It Fair to Compare Child-Rearing with Dog Training?
In many households across Germany, man's best friend wears a mini sweater, enjoys gourmet food, and even celebrates birthday meatloaf cakes. As the number of dogs in homes continues to grow while birth rates decline in numerous countries, some researchers question if there's a link.
fewer encounters with young children, Hungarian researchers from "European Psychologist" observe, pets—particularly dogs—are increasingly filling the void, becoming cherished companions and family members. Many owners even refer to their dogs as their children.
As life circumstances change, dogs assume various roles: confidant for single adults, first child for newlyweds, playmate for families with small kids, and solace for lonely widows.
People's innate desire to care for others is thought to be redirected towards animals. Yet, dogs seem to effortlessly assume the role of beloved furry babies for a variety of reasons. According to Laura Gillet and Eniko Kubinyi of the Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, dogs can form similarly close bonds with their owners as infants do. Moreover, their continuous care requirements, coupled with childlike features, tap into adults' desire to care.
Figures from the Central Association of Zoological Businesses in Germany reveal that about one in five households (21 percent) owns a dog, and this percentage has remained relatively constant in recent years. Close to seven billion euros were spent on pet food and accessories in Germany alone in 2024.
However, the authors dismiss the notion that dogs are kept as child substitutes. The decision to get a dog instead of a child is usually made consciously, acknowledging the stark differences between the relationships with dogs and children. Interestingly, respondents in surveys often prioritize human lives over dog lives, particularly when it comes to children.
Cultural contexts also play a role in the relationship between people and their dogs. American dog owners may refer to themselves as "Mama" or "Papa" of their pet "child" among friends and family but opt for more neutral terms at work or with strangers. In other countries, the relationship tends to be more distant.
Psychological and societal factors play crucial roles in why some adults treat their dogs as if they are children. While dogs may provide companionship, reduce stress, and offer a sense of purpose, they differ significantly from human children in terms of responsibilities and complexities. As such, it's essential to balance the emotional bonds with a realistic understanding of the relationship.
- In various community policies and home-and-garden settings, the growing trend of treating dogs as family members, often complete with special lifestyle accommodations, is increasingly being recognized.
- As the role of pets, particularly dogs, within households expands from companions to surrogate children, employment policies may need to address issues such as pet-friendly workplaces and leave for pet emergencies, considering the strong emotional bonds that many adults form with their pets.
