Part 7/9:
The traditional expectations surrounding gender also play a significant role in shaping fertility rates. Women in South Korea face the challenge of balancing demanding careers with societal expectations of motherhood. Many women continue to encounter workplace cultures that are not supportive of family life, leading to a dilemma wherein they must choose between their professional advancement or childbearing.
Moreover, despite the cultural shifts, remnants of the traditional family structure persist, making the task of parenting disproportionately challenging. For instance, the responsibility traditionally placed on women to care for both their in-laws and their children can create disincentives for marriage and motherhood.