A Theory-Informed Case Analysis of the DINKWAD Phenomenon in South Korea

초록

This study explores the DINKWAD (Double Income, No Kids, With A Dog) lifestyle as an alternative family form in the context of low fertility. Using a theory-informed case analysis, we examined interviews with three individuals who voluntarily chose to remain childless and raise companion animals. Four key themes emerged: (1) participants fulfill emotional and caregiving needs through pets, constructing meaning in life; (2) pets are redefined as family through relational practices, reflecting individualization in late modern family theory; (3) economic, educational, and housing constraints drive childbirth avoidance, aligning with behavioral avoidance theory; and (4) childbirth is postponed as a conditional strategy based on policy and structural change, in line with evolutionary psychology. These findings suggest that DINKWAD is not simply a lifestyle preference but a strategic adaptation to modern social conditions. This study offers a new lens for understanding reproduction, caregiving, and family in the shifting landscape of contemporary society.

키워드