The top demand from fathers is having sufficient time for child-rearing responsibilities. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 9 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent survey of married couples in South Korea revealed that the top demand from fathers is having sufficient time for child-rearing responsibilities.
The Population and Health Welfare Association announced the results on May 8 of a poll titled “My Perception of Modern Fathers” conducted between April 15 and 28. The survey questioned 480 married individuals, including 212 men and 268 women, of which 424 were parents.
When asked to describe modern fathers with a keyword, the most common response at 26.6% was “shared parenting.” This was followed by “time spent with children” at 15.7% and “playtime” at 15.1%. Other notable keywords included “friend” at 7.4% and “together” at 7.2%.
Some open-ended responses highlighted “fathers who share household chores and child-rearing with their wives,” “fathers who spend weekdays and weekends with their children,” and “fathers who play with their children after work.”
When queried about the rights fathers need, the top answer at 29.2% was “time for child-rearing.” Next were “personal free time” at 24.2%, “parental leave” at 18.6%, and “respect” at 17.4%. Respondents cited needing the right to more time participating in child-raising, the right to freely enjoy minimal rest, legal mandates for paternal leave, and respect for their role as family provider.
The most sought-after support at 38.3% to encourage increased fatherly engagement in child-rearing was “parenting programs,” with comments calling for programs fathers can do with their children. Paternal leave and infrastructure development followed at 21.9% and 11.4%, respectively.
Among preferred joint programs with children, experiential activities ranked highest at 33.5%, followed by playtime at 23.8%, education at 22.7%, and outings at 18.5%.
The most significant challenge faced by 35.4% of respondents was caring for children of a different gender, with comments highlighting difficulties like separate restrooms and athletic facilities.
The association stated it will reflect the identified perceptions and needs of modern fathers in efforts to promote a culture of co-parenting. Its initiatives include the “Fathering” project, which provides psychological testing, counseling and education for fathers, as well as “100 Dads Groups” in 17 cities/provinces where members exchange parenting information and mentorship.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
