"Does Effort Really Not Betray You?" We Asked Young People Directly...

[Image source = Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] As accumulated youth unemployment combined with COVID-19 has led Korea's 2030 generation to experience a more desperate time than ever, numerous experts have expressed their concerns in unison. Amid this, the 2030 generation provided answers regarding their views on marriage, childbirth, society, and happiness.

On the 3rd, the Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association conducted a survey targeting 500 unmarried men and 500 unmarried women in their 30s nationwide. The results showed that men viewed 'marriage' more positively, while women viewed 'non-marriage' more positively.

In particular, when asked, "If you were successful or financially comfortable, which would you choose between marriage and non-marriage?" 76.8% of men answered 'marriage,' whereas 67.4% of women answered 'non-marriage,' showing a difference.

The reasons for choosing non-marriage also differed. For men, the highest reason at 51.1% was "realistically thinking it would be difficult to meet conditions for marriage such as securing a home and financial aspects." For women, the reasons cited were "because living alone is happy" (25.3%) and "due to culture such as patriarchy and gender inequality" (24.7%).

Meanwhile, among those who showed a negative stance toward marriage intentions, the majority responded that the "support policies that would positively change marriage intentions" should primarily address "housing issues." However, men prioritized housing support, while women chose "realization of gender equality," showing a difference in views.

Regarding childbirth, 21.2% of men responded negatively, while 42.2% of women answered that they would never have children or do not want to have children. One in two said, "Our society does not adequately support families who have children or are raising them," and the reasons for not wanting children were "worrying whether I can raise a child well" (24.6%) and economic burdens related to child-rearing (24.3%).

However, when asked whether the saying "Effort in current society does not betray" applies, both people in their 20s and 30s gave negative answers. 74% of people in their 20s (according to the second half of 2019 survey results) and 74.8% of people in their 30s answered "not at all" or "rather not." Especially, those who experienced actual social unfairness reached 74.2% of people in their 20s and 77.3% of people in their 30s, with men citing irrational organizations and women citing gender.

Responses regarding the happiness of the 2030 generation were similar. People in their 20s rated their happiness at 5.93 out of 10 (2019 survey results), and those in their 30s rated it at 5.73. 35.4% answered that the younger generation would be unhappier than their older generation.

Regarding COVID-19, 68.5% answered that "the entire society has become unhappier," indicating that 'Corona Blue' is spreading among the youth amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

Kim Chang-soon, chairman of the Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association, stated, "To positively change the youth generation's views on marriage and childbirth, policies supporting housing and realizing gender equality should be prioritized," adding, "We hope that practical solutions will be proposed through forums so that young people can have an optimistic outlook on our society and design a hopeful future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.