More and more singles think marriage is a choice, not a necessity, according to Korean Women’s Development Institute Tuesday.
According to the institute’s analysis of surveys from the National Statistical Office, the number of singles who believe marriage is essential has decreased over the last 10 years, and nearly 34 percent of women have a lukewarm attitude toward marriage.
Among women aged 15 and over, the ratio of those who think marriage is a must has decreased from 31 percent in 1998 to 22 percent in 2006. However, the ratio of those who are indifferent with marriage has increased from 29 percent to 34 percent during the same period.
As for men, 37 percent of them answered that they must marry in 1998 but 30 percent of them said so in 2006.
In accordance with the figures, more men have given negative responses on the subject of marriage. About 18 percent took a lukewarm stance on marriage in 1998 but 21 percent of them did so last year. Also, 0.8 percent of men said they would not marry in 1998, while the ratio rose to 1.3 percent in 2006.
In particular, the study found that women in their 30s are most indifferent with the idea of marriage. While about 9 percent of them said marriage is a must, nearly 47 percent of them didn’t think so in 2006. Experts say women tend to delay or give up marriage as more women take part in economic activities.