In South Korea, a profound societal shift is underway as more and more women are choosing to delay or forego motherhood altogether. This trend, reflected in the country’s plummeting fertility rate, has far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy, social structure, and future.
The average number of expected babies for a South Korean woman during her reproductive life fell to a record low of 0.72 in 2023, according to data from Statistics Korea. This decline, already the world’s lowest, has been attributed to a variety of factors, with the most significant being concerns over career advancement and the financial burden of raising children.
In a country where traditional gender roles have long dictated that women prioritize family life over professional pursuits, the emergence of a generation of highly educated, ambitious women is reshaping societal norms.
Gwak Tae-hee, a 34-year-old junior manager, finds herself torn between the desire to start a family and the fear of sacrificing their careers. Gwak’s story is emblematic of the challenges facing South Korean women today. Despite being married for three years, she has chosen to focus on advancing her career rather than starting a family. The high-pressure work culture in South Korea, coupled with the country’s notoriously wide gender pay gap, leaves many women feeling as though they must choose between motherhood and professional success.
For Gwak and countless others like her, the decision to delay childbirth is not taken lightly. The fear of being passed over for promotions or missing out on career opportunities looms large, leading many women to prioritize their professional ambitions over starting a family.
But it’s not just career concerns that are driving South Korean women away from motherhood. The exorbitant cost of housing and education, coupled with the lack of support for working parents, further disincentivizes childbirth. In a society where childcare responsibilities often fall disproportionately on women, many feel overwhelmed by the prospect of balancing work and family life.
Moreover, the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles can be stifling for women who aspire to break free from traditional expectations. In a culture where being married is seen as a prerequisite to having children, unmarried women may feel ostracized or marginalized for choosing to remain childless.
As South Korea struggles with its demographic crisis, policymakers are scrambling to find solutions to reverse the declining birthrate. Ahead of elections in April, political parties have pledged measures such as increased public housing and easier loans to encourage childbirth. However, addressing the underlying societal factors driving women away from motherhood will require a more comprehensive approach.
Ultimately, the decision to have children is deeply personal and influenced by a myriad of factors. For South Korean women, the choice to delay or forego motherhood is a reflection of the complex interplay between societal expectations, economic realities, and personal aspirations. As the country confronts the challenges posed by its rapidly aging population, finding a balance between work and family life will be essential to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.