Examining the Influence of Education Level on Marriage and Family Decision-Making in South Korea

• In Event: Demographic Variables and Their Impact on the Development of Education

Proposal

1. Relevance – CIE, Theme, or SIG
South Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world both economically and in terms of Human Development. South Korea's Nominal GDP in 2022 consisted of $1.67 trillion, making Korea the 13th largest economy in the world (World Bank, 2022). The Human Development Index places South Korea in 19th place in the world (UNDP, 2022), measuring key achievements of human development, such as long life expectancy, obtaining education, and having a high standard of living. South Korea has approximately 76% of people with higher education (Lancet Regional Health, 2023) with almost no gender disparities. However, South Korea is also one of the countries with a high pace of aging: it is anticipated that by the end of 2025, the proportion of people older than 65 years will reach up to 20% of the overall population, and by 2050 it will occupy 44% (OECD, 2018). There are two reasons for such rapid aging: good quality of life among the older population and low birth rates. South Korea has the 2nd lowest result in the world in terms of fertility rates (Global Economy, 2021) with about 0.81 children born per woman in 2021. Therefore, the high human development has converted Korea into a demographic catastrophe.

2. Theory/Context – Strength of Theoretical Framework or Contextualization
This study examines the impact of educational attainment on marriage and family decision-making in South Korea, a society that has undergone rapid educational expansion and profound social changes in recent decades. The research seeks to understand how varying levels of education influence key aspects of family life, including marriage timing, fertility decisions, and attitudes toward gender roles.
The research theory is based on existing studies that prove a reversed relationship between fertility rates (number of children born) and levels of education (Westphal & Kamhöfer, 2019), a negative correlation between the level of female education and fertility rates (Cochrane 1990, Lam & Duryea 1999, Cygan-Rehm & Maeder, 2013), the quantity vs. quality dilemma for parents with high incomes (Balbo, 2013), and rural vs. urban specifics (Kulu, 2007).

3. Inquiry – Strength of Critical Analysis or Research Methods or Mode of Inquiry
The data for this analysis was obtained from the South Korea Statistics website (https://mdis.kostat.go.kr/), managed by the Korea Statistics Office (KOSTAT). This research analyzes data from a nationally representative survey of South Korean adults. The quantitative approach allows for an in-depth exploration of the relationship between education and family-related decisions, utilizing statistical methods to identify patterns and correlations. This survey was conducted in 2020 and includes 10,997 observations.
The empirical strategy employed in this analysis involves using regression models to examine the relationships between marriage, age at marriage, number of children, and education level. Logistic regression is utilized for analyzing the relationship between marriage and education level, while ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is employed for investigating the relationship between age at marriage, number of children, and education level. The significance level is set at 5%.

4. Findings – Clarity and Coherence
Specifically, each step up in educational attainment corresponds to a decrease in the probability of marriage, an increase in the age at marriage, and a reduction in the number of children. Furthermore, income brackets show varying effects on the number of children, with higher income brackets generally associated with fewer children. Living in an urban area is also associated with having fewer children, highlighting potential differences in family planning practices between urban and rural settings. Additionally, the research highlights a shift towards more egalitarian views on gender roles among the highly educated, suggesting that education plays a critical role in transforming traditional family structures. Therefore, South Korea falls into the trend of other developed countries.

5. Contribution – Originality or Contribution to Existing Knowledge OR Application of Existing Scholarly Knowledge
These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how education influences societal norms and individual choices within the context of family life. The study suggests that as South Korea continues to develop economically and educationally, the traditional patterns of marriage and family life are likely to evolve further, with significant implications for gender equality and social policy.
The implications of this research are manifold. For policymakers, understanding the link between education and family decision-making is crucial for designing effective policies that address the needs of different demographic groups. For educators and social scientists, the study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between education, culture, and family dynamics in a rapidly modernizing society.
Context of ongoing debates about the role of education in shaping societal values and behaviors. It offers a nuanced perspective on how education influences not just economic outcomes, but also personal and family decisions that have far-reaching consequences for societal well-being.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significant role of education in shaping family life in South Korea. By exploring the intersection of education and family dynamics, it contributes to the growing body of literature on the societal impacts of education and provides a foundation for future research on this important topic.

Authors

• Eunbin Kim, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania

• Svetlana Vetkhova, UPenn Graduate School of Education