Why South Korean women aren’t having babies
South Korea is facing a declining birth rate, with one of the lowest fertility rates in the world. There are several reasons why South Korean women are choosing not to have children:
- High cost of living: South Korea is known for its high cost of living, making it difficult for couples to afford the expenses of raising a child.
- Pressure to succeed: South Korean society puts a strong emphasis on academic and career success, leading many women to prioritize their careers over starting a family.
- Lack of family-friendly policies: South Korea lacks comprehensive family-friendly policies such as affordable childcare options and parental leave, making it challenging for working parents to balance work and family life.
- Cultural expectations: Traditional gender roles and societal expectations place a heavy burden on women to fulfill the role of a caregiver and homemaker, discouraging women from pursuing their own goals and aspirations.
These factors, among others, contribute to the declining birth rate in South Korea and paint a complex picture of the challenges faced by women in the country.