Korean fathers increasingly take paternity leave amid demographic crisis is a trend that’s gaining momentum, and it’s tied to a complex set of circumstances. This isn’t just about a societal shift; it’s intertwined with the urgent reality of a declining birth rate, often referred to as a demographic crisis. It’s a challenge South Korea faces head-on, with its fertility rate among the lowest globally. The response? Increased availability and acceptance of paternity leave.
One of the key takeaways is that paternity leave isn’t just beneficial for fathers. It’s linked to positive outcomes, from better marriages to more involved fathers and even potentially lower crime rates in the long run.… Continue reading
According to new federal data, the U.S. fertility rate reached an all-time low in 2024, with less than 1.6 children per woman. This mirrors trends in Western European countries, with the rate being significantly lower than the replacement rate of 2.1 that was once common in the U.S. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to boost birth rates, such as expanding access to in vitro fertilization, experts argue that these measures fail to address crucial factors like parental leave and affordable childcare, and are largely symbolic. The new report also revealed a 1% increase in total births compared to the previous year, though revised data showed declines in birth rates for women in their 20s and early 30s.
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A Gapjil 119 survey reveals that a significant portion of Korean workers, nearly 40 percent, cannot freely utilize maternity or parental leave. Non-regular workers face even greater challenges, with over 50 percent unable to take parental leave. This disparity is also evident across company sizes, with smaller companies showing significantly lower leave utilization rates. The survey, along with 58 reported cases of related workplace abuse, highlights systemic issues in Korea’s approach to parental rights.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker