Part 5/9:
Central to South Korea’s demographic narrative is the traditional patriarchal structure fostered by Confucianism, which elevates male lineage and creates an inherent preference for sons over daughters. Cultural practices that prioritize male offspring are evident, influenced significantly by historical concerns around inheritance and family stability.
The Rapid Decline of Family Size
The past few decades have witnessed a startling decrease in family size, as South Koreans rapidly shifted from a norm of around six children per woman in the mid-20th century to less than two by the late 1980s. Despite favorable conditions resulting from a demographic dividend during the economic boom that followed this decline, the trend towards smaller families continued unabated.