REALITIES
DINK Couples: Meant to Swim or Sink?
If you’re chronically online and you hear the word DINK, take heart. You’re not having auditory hallucinations. With 247.1 million views on its hashtag, the term is trending and its audience is still growing.
The acronym has been around since the 80s, and it stands for dual income, no kids. Any couple labeled as such are also called yuppies, or young urban professionals. And obviously, they have no children — either not yet or never plan on having any.
As per the latest statistics outcome from the US Census Bureau, 43% of married couples in the US have no children. This statistic will approach 50% in the coming years. If you and your spouse both prioritize flexibility in your careers, and if you’re having second thoughts about parenthood due to economic reasons, then it might be time to sit down and start reaping the rewards of being a DINK.
They are Living it Up
Double income, no kid couples are spending most of their cash on rest, relaxation, and fun! According to MarketWatch’s survey, more than 50% of DINKs care more about their contentment, investing their budget on traveling, their hobbies, and pets. If you and your spouse are dog lovers, then you might be labeled as DINKWADs (Double income, no kids, but with a dog).
They Manage Expenses Better
No one’s saying that childless couples should go around needlessly spending on whatever catches their attention. Yet, house prices, childcare costs, and gas, among others, are on the rise.
For instance, the average electricity rate in the US rose by almost 3% between February 2023 and February 2024. An inflation rate of up to 55% also explains the rise in childcare costs. Without having any children to deal with, couples will be less stressed over extra expenses while having more budget for their own personal interests.
They Have Mutual Levels of Earning Power
More and more women have been highlighting their careers over childbearing, and are earning almost the same income as their husbands. With that said, a DINK couple can bring in more money, thus eliminating the need to look for unnecessary financial opportunities.
Their job satisfaction brings greater marital satisfaction since it boosts their individual self-esteem and can contribute to their overall fulfillment as a couple, which are bedrocks of a happy union.
They are the Subject of Controversy
Critics eye DINKs as selfish and irresponsible. Conceiving children is still embedded as one of society’s norms. These same critics disagree with the notion that marriage is best without children because they believe kids are the cherry on top of any loving family.
In turn, there are many married couples who feel uncomfortable with DINKs. In this day and age, it is too easy to see social media posts from those kinds of couples, especially as they post about their lifestyle, which may imply to others that children are a drain to their finances.
As more people venture into the DINK lifestyle, the best elements to consider will always be balance and respect. Everybody will have their own opinions, and in the end, it is to each his or her own. As long as no one is being malicious with what they say or do, it’s up to all of us to do whatever floats our love boats!
References:
Tongco, Hannah Krisha. 2024. “DINKs, SINKs, DINKWADS: Meet Today’s Modern Employees.” Superstaff. https://www.superstaff.com/blog/dinks-sinks-dinkwads/
Editorial Staff. 2024. “This is How Much Child Care Costs in 2024.” Care.com https://www.care.com/c/how-much-does-child-care-cost/
Valenzuela, Diana. 2024. “What It Means to be Dual Income, No Kids — and How Boomers Started the Trend.” Katie Couric Media. https://katiecouric.com/lifestyle/parenting/what-are-dinks-dual-income-no-kids tiktok/#:~:text=Again%2C%20DINK%20stands%20for%20%E2%80%9Cdual,non%2Dessential%20items%20and%20experiences.
