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Rise in South Korea’s Birth Rate: Lessons for India
Context : South Korea’s Birth Rate
South Korea has witnessed a marginal rise in its birth rate in 2024, marking a shift after a persistent decline.
- The country has the world’s lowest fertility rate, which fell to 0.72 in 2023 and slightly increased to 0.74 in 2024. The issue poses economic, social, and demographic challenges, necessitating comprehensive policy interventions.
Understanding South Korea’s Low Birth Rate
- Delayed Marriages and Childbirth: Increasing age of marriage and financial insecurities delay childbirth.
- Economic Pressures: High cost of living, expensive housing, and childcare costs deter couples from having children.
- Work-Life Balance Issues: Rigid corporate culture and long working hours discourage family expansion.
- Gender Norms: Unequal burden of childcare and societal expectations reduce women’s willingness to have more children.
- Declining Youth Population: Shrinking workforce impacts economic growth and social welfare systems.
Government Initiatives to Address Low Birth Rates
- Financial Incentives: Increased cash benefits for new parents and expanded childcare subsidies.
- Workplace Reforms: Policies promoting parental leave and flexible work hours.
Comparative Analysis: Global Approaches to Boosting Birth Rates
- France and Nordic Countries: Success through strong welfare systems, gender-equal parental leave, and free childcare.
- Japan and China: Struggling despite incentives due to cultural and economic constraints.
- Lessons for South Korea: Need for holistic and sustained intervention beyond financial incentives.
- Housing Support: Affordable housing schemes targeted at young couples.
- Educational Support: Subsidised education and free pre-school initiatives.
- Cultural Shifts: Campaigns to promote gender equality in parenting and household responsibilities.
Effectiveness and Challenges of These Measures
- Marginal Increase in Birth Rate: The slight rise in 2024 indicates partial success but is insufficient for reversing demographic decline.
- Economic Burdens Remain: Policies have not fully alleviated financial concerns of young couples.
- Societal Resistance: Deep-rooted gender roles limit the impact of work-life balance policies.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Doubts remain about whether government efforts can sustain long-term fertility growth.
Relevance for India: Demographic Implications and Policy Lessons
- India’s Declining Fertility Rate: Currently at 2.0 (NFHS-5, 2019-21), approaching below-replacement levels.
- Urbanisation and Economic Pressures: Rising cost of living and aspirations impact fertility trends.
- Workforce and Aging Concerns: Need to plan for a balanced demographic transition.
- Policy Takeaways:
- Investment in affordable childcare and education.
- Promotion of flexible work policies for better work-life balance.
- Strengthening of social security for the ageing population.
- Encouraging gender-equitable parenting norms.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
