Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Jennifer Patico
Second Advisor
Emanuela Guano
Third Advisor
Cassandra White
Abstract
This thesis explores how Dual Income No Kids (DINK) couples within the United States approach family planning. The study is based on ethnographic work I carried out over the course of 2011, including a nationwide survey and in-depth interviews I conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Denver Colorado. Specifically, I was interested in investigating why these couples were “delaying” having children based on the national average. While current literature points to changes in education, healthcare, and societal values as being the catalyst for the DINK movement, I wanted to understand Americans’ childbearing decisions on a more personal level. Through this project I looked at how both the social goals (parent and peer role models) and personal pressures (prioritization of education, career and marital partnership) influence an individual’s decision about whether and when to have children. As such, I also explore themes of identity, life narrative, and choice in regards to family planning. Whereas the popular stereotype of DINK suggests that these couples are uninterested in family or “family values”, my research shows that many couples actually choose to be DINK for a time because they are actively pursuing and preparing for parenthood.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/2728379
Recommended Citation
Korb, Allyson H., "Passing through Dink – A Closer Look at How Couples in the United States Make the Decision to Have Children." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2012.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/2728379