In South Korea, a striking cultural shift has emerged as pet strollers have outpaced the sales of baby strollers. E-commerce reports indicate a 43% decline in infant stroller sales in 2023, juxtaposed with a remarkable 57% increase in pet stroller sales, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing pets over children. This trend is especially concerning given that South Korea has the world’s lowest fertility rate, currently at 0.72, significantly below the 2.1 replacement level needed for stable population growth.
The dramatic decline in South Korea’s fertility rates cannot be viewed in isolation. Post-war policies played a crucial role in shaping demographic trends. In the aftermath of the Korean War (1950-53), South Korea’s fertility rate was approximately 5.02. By 1960, it had dropped to around 6, prompting government action to promote family planning in a bid to support economic recovery. The South Korean government initiated campaigns advocating for smaller families, providing financial incentives for couples to limit the number of children.
By 1983, South Korea’s total fertility rate (TFR) had fallen below the replacement level for the first time, reaching 1.57 by 1996. The government promoted the idea of “small and prosperous families” through slogans and public health campaigns, utilizing American contraceptive technology to facilitate this transition.
Since 2015, South Korea has seen a persistent drop in fertility rates, leading to significant societal challenges. This decline threatens economic stability by shrinking the workforce and increasing the proportion of elderly individuals. Various factors contribute to this trend, including entrenched patriarchal norms, gender inequality, high living costs, and demanding work hours that make child-rearing increasingly difficult.
In response, the South Korean government has declared the declining fertility rate a “national emergency,” implementing policies aimed at promoting family growth. These include measures to enhance work-life balance, improve childcare, and provide parental leave and housing incentives. However, the effectiveness of these policies has been questioned, particularly regarding their lack of input from women.
Historically, South Korean women’s reproductive rights have been heavily influenced by state policies, oscillating between promoting family planning and now encouraging higher birth rates. Critics argue that current pronatalist policies fall short of addressing women’s needs and preferences. Many women feel that these policies perpetuate traditional gender roles, forcing them to conform to societal expectations without genuine support for their choices.
For example, guidelines published by the Seoul government in 2021 illustrated outdated views on parenting, suggesting mothers prepare for childbirth by caring for their husbands’ needs, thereby reinforcing traditional gender roles. Women frequently encounter the “motherhood penalty” when they leave the workforce for childbirth, resulting in wage gaps and slower career progression upon their return.
To address the declining fertility rates effectively, South Korea must reconsider its approach to family planning policies. Women’s voices and experiences should be integral to policy development. Rather than solely providing financial incentives for childbearing, the government must address the root causes of low birth rates, including gender inequality and work-life balance.
Policymakers should promote shared domestic responsibilities and flexible work arrangements that allow both parents to engage in childcare without sacrificing their careers. By creating a more inclusive environment that respects women’s autonomy and choices, South Korea can hope to reverse the trend of declining birth rates.
The rise in popularity of pet strollers over baby strollers in South Korea serves as a poignant indicator of shifting societal values towards family and reproduction. As the country grapples with its historical policies and their repercussions, it must prioritize inclusive, equitable strategies that address the diverse needs of its citizens, particularly women, in order to foster a supportive environment for families. Only through such comprehensive efforts can South Korea hope to overcome its demographic challenges and build a sustainable future.
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