The HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences Institute for Sociology cordially invites you to

 

Fears and Barriers to Having Children: Choosing Dog Ownership as an Alternative?

 

 

Lecturer: Ivett Szalma (HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences, Hungary) ; Lóránt Pélyi (HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences, Hungary) ; Orsolya Udvari (Corvinus University of Budapest)

Discussants:  Boglárka Herke (HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences, Hungary); Enikő Kubinyi (ELTE Etológia Tanszék, Hungary)

Date: 02 May, 2024, 1 p.m.

Venue: Centre for Social Sciences Institute for Sociology, 1097 Budapest, Tóth Kálmán utca 4. Room B1.15 

Online Link: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83401524812?pwd=7YebsWbOE8Sf0fyKtNRWfMHK2MCvhc.1

Meeting ID: 834 0152 4812
Passcode: 520690

 

Abstract 

There is a keen interest in reproductive choices in Hungary. Since 2010, the government has implemented various measures to boost the birth rate. However, there has been no increase in the number of births, although the number of dogs being maintained as companion animals is on the rise. Therefore, it is intriguing to investigate whether opting for dog ownership can serve as a substitute for having children. In order to address this inquiry, we carried out 28 semi-structured interviews with women who do not have children or have just one child between the ages of 18 and 45, residing in a metropolitan area, and who have been dog owners for a minimum of one year.

Our results show that voluntary childlessness is not closely related to dog ownership. Most childless interviewees also want to have at least one child. However, dogs are seen as a member of the family, and in many cases, they are thought of as a 'quasi' child or sibling of an existing child. However, dogs are not considered to be a total replacement for a human child. Our research has revealed various factors that contribute to a woman's decision to not have (further) children. For instance, the absence of a compatible companion, inadequate financial standing, or unsuitable home conditions. Furthermore, some women have expressed challenges in balancing their professional and personal lives, a situation that they can handle by having a dog but would find unmanageable if they had a child.