More than half of South Korean women believe marriage and childbirth are not necessary, reflecting a growing trend of defying traditional gender roles in society, according to a survey by the Korean Association for Social Welfare Studies.

• Only 4% of female respondents said marriage and childbirth are mandatory, while 12.9% of male respondents gave the same answer.
• The survey polled 281 single men and women aged 20 to 34, with women comprising 45% of respondents.
• The importance of marriage and childbirth appeared to be linked to respondents' perception of South Korean society. Those who spoke highly of their quality of life and society tended to think these were important.
• A separate study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed that fewer South Koreans believe it is mandatory to support their parents, and fewer people think young children should be cared for by their mothers at home.
• More people now see society and the state as responsible for providing care for children and the elderly.

These findings indicate a shift in attitudes towards traditional gender roles and societal responsibilities in South Korea.

Source: The Straits Times