When asked what the most important factor was when choosing a spouse, there was a significant difference between men and women. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Feb. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — A new report has revealed that single women tend to value financial status more when choosing a spouse compared to single men.
Analysts reported that the traditional perception that men are responsible for the household economy still remains strong in South Korean society and the poor job prospects that women are exposed to accounts for such results as well.
According to a report released by the Korean Institute for Health and Social Affairs on Wednesday, when asked what the most important factor was when choosing a spouse, there was a significant difference between men and women.
The survey was conducted with the participation of 1,140 men and 1,324 women between 20 and 44 years of age.
Single men chose personality as the most important factor, followed by health. Attitude towards household chores and child care ranked third.
Understanding and cooperation with work, and common hobbies were also chosen as important factors.
On the other hand, while single women also chose personality as the most important factor, attitude towards household chores and child care ranked second.
Health, understanding and cooperation with work, and financial status followed.
The significant difference was that women were more likely to prioritize financial status. While 53 percent of men thought so, 92.7 percent of women prioritized economic success.
Meanwhile, when asked about the need for marriage, 14.1 percent of single men answered that marriage was an absolute must, 36.4 percent answered it would be good to get married, and 6.6 percent answered there was no need to get married.
On the other hand, 6 percent of women answered that marriage was an absolute must, 22.8 percent answered it would be good to get married, and 14.3 percent agreed there was no need to get married.
The researchers suggested that although men tend to be more positive about marriage than women, the trend of non-marriage cannot be seen as a phenomenon caused by women, given that men are generally more likely to think that marriage is optional.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
