Great Joy in Childbirth, but Sighs Over Economic Burden... Marriage? "Not So Sure"

Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs,
"International Population Policy Case Study" in Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and Sweden

It has been found that Korea's younger generation resonates more with the idea that "children bring great joy" than their overseas peers, while at the same time expressing greater concerns about economic burdens.

This is the result of a survey included in the "Study on International Population Policy Cases" report released by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs on January 11. The survey compared perceptions of marriage, childbirth, and parenting among 2,500 adults aged 20 to 49 in five countries in 2024: Korea, Germany, Japan, France, and Sweden.

Newborn. (This photo is not directly related to the article.) Pixabay Pixabay

Among those who are not currently married, the intention to marry was highest in Korea at 52.9%, followed by Sweden at 50.2%, Germany at 46.5%, France at 38.2%, and Japan at 32.0%.

In contrast, when all respondents were asked about their intention to have children, the order changed: Sweden 43.2%, France 38.8%, Germany 38.6%, Korea 31.2%, and Japan 20.3%.

Among those intending to have children, Koreans planned the fewest number of children at 1.74. Germany and Sweden had the highest at 2.35, followed by France at 2.11 and Japan at 1.96.

When asked about the impact of children on life, respondents in all five countries agreed on the positive effects. However, the proportion who said "life's joy and satisfaction increase" was highest in Korea at 74.3%. The figures were 57.5% for Japan, 67.9% for France, 62.7% for Germany, and 64.9% for Sweden.

Among negative effects, the highest agreement was with the statement that economic burdens increase. In particular, 92.7% of Koreans responded that economic burdens would increase. In Germany, 77.6% agreed, followed by 75.5% in France, 73.2% in Japan, and 65.2% in Sweden-equivalent to about six or seven out of ten respondents in these countries.

The research team noted, "Economic burdens may be related to Korea's low total fertility rate," adding, "If negative perceptions of childbirth are alleviated and practical institutional support is strengthened, there is a possibility of positive changes in the future birth rate."