South Koreans see joy in parenthood but fear economic strain, study reveals
While 74 per cent see joy in children, 92 per cent say economic burdens impact family planning – a factor in South Korea’s record-low birth rate
The findings, drawn from a survey of 2,500 adults aged 20 to 49 in each of the five countries, were published in a report titled “A Study on International Cases of Population Policies” by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs on Sunday.
When all respondents were asked about their intention to have children, however, the ranking shifted. Sweden topped the list at 43.2 per cent, followed by France at 38.8 per cent, Germany at 38.6 per cent, South Korea at 31.2 per cent and Japan at 20.3 per cent.
Among those who expressed an intention to have children, South Korea recorded the lowest average planned number at 1.74. Germany and Sweden tied for the highest at 2.35, followed by France at 2.11 and Japan at 1.96.
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When asked about the impact of having children on their lives, respondents in all five countries expressed positive views, saying children increase joy and life satisfaction. Agreement was highest in South Korea at 74.3 per cent, followed by France at 67.9 per cent, Sweden at 64.9 per cent, Germany at 62.7 per cent and Japan at 57.5 per cent.