As for the reasons behind the severe low birthrate, some 34 percent cited financial burdens such as child rearing and private education. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — According to a recent survey, men and women in South Korea see different reasons for the recent increase in individuals who are deciding to remain single.
According to a survey of 2,009 provincial residents conducted by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, men chose the burden of childbirth and childcare, accounting for 32 percent, as the top reason for the recent drop in marriage.
Following next were excessive housing costs, accounting for 29 percent; importance of personal life and leisure, accounting for 17 percent; and having yet to meet the ideal spouse, accounting for 7 percent.
Women, on the other hand, cited personal life and leisure, accounting for 26 percent, as the top reason for the increase in non-marriage.
Following personal life and leisure were excessive housing costs, accounting for 21 percent; burden of child birth and bearing; accounting for 20 percent; and having yet to meet the ideal spouse, accounting for 12 percent.
Meanwhile, 85 percent of the respondents said they thought problem of the low birthrate in South Korean society was “serious”.
As for the reasons behind the severe low birthrate, some 34 percent cited financial burdens such as child rearing and private education.
In particular, women were more concerned with the difficulty of taking leave, accounting for 13 percent, than men, where only 5 percent were concerned.
The most urgent measures were to strengthen public childcare, accounting for 27 percent, and expand the care system, including the expansion of state-run daycare centers, and improving the quality of services, according to the analysis.
The survey participants cited the expansion of various forms of work accounting for 18 percent, expansion of residential welfare for multiple children, accounting for 11 percent, and the promotion of parental leave, accounting for 11 percent, as measures to be strengthened.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
