Imaginaries and Social Representations of the Dog in the Urban Family Environment.

Abstract

This article analyzes social imaginaries and representations surrounding the dog in the contemporary family. Based on a historical-cultural reconstruction of the meanings attributed to dogs and a qualitative, interpretive study conducted with six families in the urban context of Querétaro, central Mexico, it explores transformations in dog–human relationships. The sample consists of Latin American families with diverse compositions (traditional, transitional, and emerging families), selected to capture plurality in domestic experiences. Historically, dogs have been conceived in instrumental terms associated with protection and work; however, the findings reveal a shift toward symbolic and affective configurations that redefine their place in family life. The study examines imaginaries, intergenerational family trajectories, and practices of care, consumption, and lifestyle reorganization structured around the dog. The results highlight the emergence of an ethics of care and more horizontal relationships, grounded in affective reciprocity and in the recognition of the dog as a significant other within the family environment.