South Korea is facing severe challenges related to women's employment, particularly after major life events like marriage, pregnancy, and child-rearing. Recent data reveals staggering unemployment rates among married women due to these career interruptions, with nearly 70% citing pregnancy and child-rearing as their primary reasons for stepping back from their jobs.
Statistics Korea reported this year, the total number of married women aged 15-54 who left the workforce reached approximately 1.22 million. This marks a slight decrease of 133,000 compared to the previous year, primarily due to the declining number of married women within this age group, which has decreased by around 290,000 over the same period. Currently, the total number of married women stands at about 7.65 million.
Among those who exited the job market, 41.1% indicated child-rearing as their primary reason for interruption. Another 24.9% stopped working upon marriage, and 24.4% pointed to pregnancy and childbirth. Traditional roles and societal norms often push women to prioritize family over careers, especially during their childbearing years.
The situation has become increasingly concerning as South Korea grapples with declining birth rates. The average number of children born per woman hit a record low of 0.72 this year, the lowest since 1970. Many younger individuals are choosing to delay or forego marriage and parenthood altogether, reflecting changing attitudes toward family and career.
Interestingly, even as the birth rate continues to decline, the employment rate of married women with children shows promising upward trends. Recent statistics indicate 62.4% of married women with children under 18 are now employed, the highest since recording began back in 2016. Notably, for women with one child, the employment rate reached 63.4%, and 62.0% for those with two children.
It's evident from this data how the age and schooling of children influence mothers’ decisions to return to work. Women are more likely to re-enter the workforce once their children reach school age, with statistics showing employment rates of 55.6% for mothers with children under six years old, compared to 64.3% for those with children aged 7-12, and 69.2% for 13-17-year-olds. This shift highlights how returning to work often aligns with children's educational milestones, easing the burden of childcare.
The number of women reporting career interruptions due to child-rearing seems to be decreasing, which some experts attribute to government policies supporting childcare and family needs. The National Statistical Office pointed out this reduction indicates possible effectiveness from recent policy changes aimed at promoting employment among women, particularly focusing on balancing work and family life.
While the overall number of women experiencing career breaks has decreased, those suffering long-term career interruptions—lasting over ten years—comprise 41.2% of the total. The demographic most commonly experiencing these interruptions is women aged 40-44, with significant numbers also within the 35-39 and 45-49 age brackets.
The societal pressures and structured expectations surrounding women’s roles within the family and workplace continue to play significant roles. Despite the increase of dual-income households and working mothers, traditional values still linger, contributing to the complex situation South Korean women find themselves navigated through on career paths.
Alongside these pressing issues, differing perceptions about women’s work capabilities persist, which compounds the problem. Many married women feel they must choose between primarily taking care of their children or pursuing careers, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward gender roles.
The South Korean government has made efforts to address this issue by rolling out various benefits and support systems meant to encourage marriage and improve the birth rate. Despite these initiatives, experts maintain these measures have not yet yielded the intended effects. Families grapple with the high cost of living and changing workplace dynamics, making it difficult for both parents to work if they choose to have multiple children.
Consequently, South Korean women continue to find themselves at the crossroads of career ambition and family responsibilities. The pathways to career advancement post-childbearing remain deeply intertwined with societal expectations about motherhood and women's roles within homes. While some policies show promise of reform, lasting change will require shifting societal attitudes and systemic supports to promote equality at home and within the workplace.
Therefore, the future holds uncertain challenges for working women, but it also opens possibilities for new models of family and career planning. South Korea's quest to encourage working mothers could lean heavily on designing effective workplace policies and supportive environments, ensuring women can pursue both ambitions—building lasting careers and nurturing families—without feeling caught between the two.
