As of 2016, the study concluded that only 3 out of 10 women thought favorably of the institution of marriage. (Image : Kobizmedia / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – A new survey has found that fewer South Koreans are clinging to the traditional notion that marriage is a necessity.
According to statistics provided by a group of experts who advise the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, the ratio of people who thought that “marriage was something that was absolutely necessary” fell from 64.7 percent in 2010 to 62.7 percent in 2012.
The rate fell further in 2014 and 2016 to 56.8 percent and 51.9 percent, respectively. With the rate dropping regardless of the respondents’ gender or marriage status, the ratio of unwed women who did not agree with the traditionally held norm fell greater than respondents belonging other categories, an outcome that was attributed to the low fertility trap that Korean society is currently faced with.
The rate of unmarried men who did not think marriage was a “must” fell from 62.6 percent and 60.4 percent in 2010 and 2012, respectively, to 51.8 percent and 42.9 percent in 2014 and 2016.
For unmarried women, the rate fell from 46.8 percent and 43.3 percent in 2010 and 2012 to 38.7 percent and 31 percent in 2014 and 2016.
As of 2016, the study concluded that only 3 out of 10 women thought favorably of the institution of marriage.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
