In recent decades, Western countries have undergone profound social and cultural changes that have transformed family structures and dynamics. Individualization, reduction of the size of the family and weakening of intrafamily interactions They are characteristics of today’s society.
In this context, the raid of pets in homes (we think that In Spain the number of dogs, for example, was folded from 2010 to 2023Reaching 9.3 million) is presented as a phenomenon that goes beyond the simple company: it is a response to the new emotional and emotional needs of individuals and families who, more and more, consist of a few members.
Changes in the family structure
The transformation of the family has been drastic in recent years. In current societies, a process of individualization is observed that manifests itself, among other aspects, in the aspect of the only child and in the consolidation of small families.
In Spain, 26.1 % of families He has only one person, while 30.4 % have two and 20.5 % with three members. That is, about 76 % of Spanish families are made up of a maximum of three people. In the case of families with children, almost 50 % have only one.
This reduction in the number of members not only affects the quantitative dimension of the family, but also The quality of the interactions Among its members. Domestic relationships were seen, first characterized by strong links and multiple sources of support limited in quantity and quality. THE Deficiency of deep relationships y The weakening of affective links have promoted research New forms of connection and company.
Pets in response to emotional needs
Faced with this scenario of individualization and isolation, the presence of pets at home, how to explore In a recent studyHe obtained unprecedented importance. Currently, the animal is no longer simply considered a corporate animal; His role has evolved to acquire similar meanings and functions to those of another family member.
Pets have become “existential relaxing”, able to mitigate loneliness, provide unconditional affection and provide moments of well -being in a social environment characterized by ephemeral social interactions.
In many cases, the companion offers an immediate response to the lack of profound emotional bonds. With The loss of solid contacts – The philosophical as religious – and the absence of significant interactions, pets give free affection and are able to offer constant attention without requesting anything in return.
In this sense, his presence at home not only relieves the feeling of solitude, but also strengthens self -esteem and well -being of people.
The presence of pets in Spain
The number of pets in Spain grows every year, as the recent statistics show. Second The census of pets Made in 2021, about 9.3 million dogs, 5.9 million cats, 7.9 million fish and over 5 million birds and other animals are recorded in Spain. These figures confirm that a significant percentage of Spanish families has incorporated pets as an integral part of their daily life.
In addition, comparative studies on the ownership of the dog in different European countries show that Spain is above the averagealthough it is a global phenomenon.
The link between the size of the family and the presence of pets
One of the hypotheses that deserves attention is The relationship between the size of the house and the incidence of pets. The empirical tests suggest that, as families become smaller and domestic interactions are reduced, the presence of animals in the home increases.
In families composed of one, two or three members, the animal acquires a predominant role, becoming an essential source of corporate and emotional support. This trend is partially explained by the need for Fill an emotional void. When the family’s core is reduced, the possibility of establishing rich and deep interactions is limited, which leads to both adults and young people to seek in the animal a figure who offers them containment and unconditional love.
The animal therefore transforms into a “more member” of the family, a constant presence that strengthens the feeling of the company and reduces the perception of social isolation.
Pets and loneliness
Pets offer us connections and affection and their integration into the urban house is a adaptive strategy for the emotional and social needs of people in today’s society. Although in rural areas the presence of pets has been common, in urban life (where life is more anonymous and The feeling of solitude grows), pets are presented as a precious resource to restore emotional well -being.
Joan Tahull FortSociology professor of education, University of Lleida
This entry was originally published in The conversation. Read the original.
