The crux of the argument: Should financial status be a barrier to starting a family? This discourse pits the ideal of preventing the inheritance of poverty against the fundamental human longing to build a family. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – In a nation grappling with low birth rates, a controversial debate is taking root among its younger generation. The crux of the argument: Should financial status be a barrier to starting a family?
This discourse, which is gaining momentum on social media, pits the ideal of preventing the inheritance of poverty against the fundamental human longing to build a family.
The debate was ignited by a post from a user identified only as ‘A’, who challenged the notion that only the financially well-off should have children. “Is it not incredibly rude to suppress a basic human instinct like childbirth, merely due to poverty?” ‘A’ questioned, sparking widespread online discussion.
‘A’ pointed out that even indirect suggestions, like those on open online communities, can be harmful. “Such remarks can psychologically manipulate and change the minds of those who desire a family,” ‘A’ said.
Emphasizing the inherent value of life, ‘A’ argued, “Even a child born into extreme poverty has the right to life’s blessings and joy.” They questioned the morality of denying anyone the opportunity to start a family based on their economic status.
Adding to the discourse, another individual, identified only as ‘B’, noted a generational shift in perceptions of poverty. While previous generations considered missing meals as a sign of poverty, today’s youth equate it with not affording luxuries like the latest iPhones or European vacations.
Countering the argument that wealth should be a prerequisite for parenthood, a netizen argued, “It’s absurd to think that childbirth should be a privilege only for the wealthy. Choosing not to have children due to personal circumstances is one thing, but spreading hate in public spaces is entirely different.”
Another commenter highlighted the severity of such stigmatization, noting that spreading such views in some countries could be considered a hate crime. “It’s no different than children discriminating against each other based on the size of their parents’ cars or the type of housing they live in.”
However, some find truth in the original poster’s arguments, recalling their own impoverished upbringings. One netizen shared, “Growing up, I learned to feed myself with instant noodles before starting school. Discussing school supplies with my parents was a painful ordeal.”
Others argue, however that the concern isn’t about wealth but about the minimum standards of care. “It’s not a matter of being rich or poor,” another netizen said. “In situations where even basic care is unaffordable, shouldn’t the decision to avoid perpetuating poverty through childbirth be seriously considered?”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
