In the 1980s, the so-called DINK lifestyle (Dual Income, No Kids) began to become popular in Canada and around the world. In summary, the followers of this philosophy are couples in which both work but do not want to have children.
Decades ago, when it emerged, this lifestyle gained many fans, but it lost strength over the years. However, it is now making a strong comeback in some parts of the world.
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To illustrate this trend, The Canadian Press released a report produced by experts who are seeing a growth in the percentage of young Canadians who are embracing this practice.
When interviewed on the subject, a young woman called just “Norris”, explained that she adopted DINK because of the current situation in the world.
"In terms of economics, in terms of nature, with everything going on like pandemics and world issues, I decided I didn't want to bring a child into this world," he said.
Norris also said that her partner, who has not been named, also does not want children. “I always knew I didn't want to have kids. When I met my partner, I found out he didn't either."
Instead of having children, the Vancouver-based couple decided to adopt a dog. In addition to spending on the pet, the two said they use the money they would spend on a child on walks, dinners and investments.
Still according to Norris, the most attractive thing about the DINK lifestyle is the freedom of not having to worry or spend on children.
“In Vancouver, we live downtown, but we can go to a nearby island, we can go to an Airbnb, we can invest and not feel that we are behind in life,” said the young woman.
Reasons why DINK is more popular
Demographer Don Kerr, who teaches at Kings University College, Western University, is one of the experts who has been studying the rise in DINK adherence in Canada.
According to Don, in 1980 the lifestyle became more popular because of the growth in the acceptance rate of women in the labor market. But, currently, the motivations surrounding DINK are much more complex.
Don Kerr says that currently problems such as health insecurity, wars, financial instability, inflation and the increase in the price of basic items, such as housing and food, have motivated new fans of the DINK.
Furthermore, Kerr points out that young Canadians are finding it increasingly difficult to establish themselves financially. “People who are struggling and trying to establish themselves in the job market, but with many difficulties”, said the demographer.
“So who are we talking about? We're talking about young adults who drop out of high school, college or university, as well as younger Canadians who are teenagers,” explains Don Kerr.
It's not the end of the world for those who dream of having children
Despite the growth of the DINK philosophy of life, the percentage of couples who dream of having children is still prevalent.
Responding to a report by The Canadian Press, Angela Lermieri, a financial planner at the Desjardins credit union, encouraged young people to have children, as long as it was planned in advance.
“Find out about the help you can get, both from the government and from financial education guidelines, in order to save resources for when the child is born”, she recommends.
As an example of government assistance, Angela cites the Canadian Children's Benefit, a public fund that aims precisely to help support couples who have just had children.
“There are ways you can be helped and guided through this process [of having children]. Therefore, do not take the world's problems as your only example in this decision”, recommends Angela Larmieri.
Referring to couples who are considering joining the DINK movement, Lermieri recommended that, before any decision is taken, frank conversations be made about household finances.
According to the finance specialist, a well-adjusted family budget has continuity as its main feature. “It has to be for today's budget, but also for your long-term goals and plans,” she said.
Graduated in History and Human Resources Technology. Passionate about writing, today he lives the dream of acting professionally as a Content Writer for the Web, writing articles in different niches and different formats.