A new social buzzword is becoming popular among young couples around the world: the new lifestyle of “dual income, no children,” commonly known as DINK.
The DINK lifestyle does not have much importance in the Indian social system. (Shutterstock)
The DINK lifestyle has gained popularity mainly through social media platforms. By uploading videos on TikTok, Facebook and other relevant social media sites showcasing the lifestyle of childfree couples, such lifestyle is celebrated and viewed millions of times. There are many popular young couples on such platforms who have gained a huge following by posting “DINK vlogs”, videos showcasing the daily life of themselves and their partners and showcasing their luxurious and burden-free lifestyle. Whether consciously or unconsciously, the celebration of such lifestyle inspires and attracts couples to the DINK idea.
The DINK lifestyle is rapidly gaining popularity across the world, including in India, and poses the risk of disrupting the social fabric in the near future.
India has recognised the importance of a close-knit joint family system since ancient times and has continued to adhere to it till the last 40-50 years. However, this traditional joint family system in India has taken a hit in the past few decades. Most of the young educated couples have moved from the joint family to the nuclear family system in search of new jobs, higher income and improved quality of life and livelihood. In the process, not only the nuclear families of the young migrant couples but also their aging parents who remain at home have taken a hit emotionally and socially.
Now, this nuclear family system is once again on the brink of collapse. The DINK lifestyle is rapidly winning the hearts of young couples not only in the Western world but also in developing countries such as India. Attracted by the unencumbered dual income, child-free lifestyle, an increasing number of young couples are choosing not to have children.
These couples cite many reasons for choosing this lifestyle, citing both economic and social reasons. The economic reasons are primarily to pursue a career, earn a double income, and enjoy the life they love without financial constraints. Proponents of this lifestyle say they have much more disposable income than couples with children, and therefore have the extra financial clout to buy the luxury items they love and live a free and lavish lifestyle.
According to DINK couples, socially, not having the burden of raising children gives them the freedom to move around to enjoy work, hobbies, travel, etc. without the burden of childcare and responsibility, and they feel free from the stress and responsibilities of parenthood. Being childless gives these couples more time and energy to invest in their personal relationships.
These arguments between these couples do not make much sense for Indian society, or any other society for that matter. Reproduction is a law of nature, universally applicable not only to humans but also to other living organisms on earth. Without reproduction, no society, human or otherwise, can survive in the long run and will inevitably face extinction, as is now evident in Western societies. Many countries in the Western world are facing an increasing elderly population and a declining young population. This is a major concern for them and they are trying to address this issue seriously, but perhaps without much success.
In the Indian social system, DINK lifestyle does not have much importance. Children are an integral part of our family system and just having a child brings happiness not only to the parents but also to the grandparents and other relatives.
Biju Dominik, behavioral science expert and CEO, Final Mile Consulting, says, “Generally, people are not good at thinking about the future. But I believe children are the driving force that makes people think and plan for the future.” There is truth in this statement. Having children in a family makes people work hard for their future. In the Indian social system, every family has a strong desire to continue the family tree.
While there is no denying the fact that India needs to curb population growth, this cannot be achieved by adopting a DINK lifestyle, which can be pursued by young couples in the early stages of married life, but such a lifestyle must be capped for a certain number of years and once settled, they must rely on the social responsibility of reproduction. Without children, life becomes difficult in old age, which is true not only in India but in any society, leading to mental and physical disabilities. Without a young population, social and economic development halts.
So let us stop to encourage and spread the DINK mindset among young couples. It may be a little difficult to strongly convince the parents of the couple to give up the DINK mindset. Young couples have the responsibility to realise the importance of children in their family for their own mental wellbeing and satisfaction. Children spread happiness and are stress relievers. Well-educated and financially well-off couples have the added responsibility of raising good human beings. Without children, couples feel lonely and regretful later in life. DINK lifestyle may be more relevant in western societies where finances and healthcare are well in place after 60 years of age, but in India, just having children around contributes to the mental and physical wellbeing of parents and grandparents. Children are a blessing to a family and raising them is a social responsibility.
Couples have the right to choose their lifestyle, but if you are attracted to DINK couples in TikTok videos on social media platforms, you should seriously reconsider the idea of pursuing a DINK lifestyle.
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