Social Attitudes Toward Family Formation In and Outside of Marriage in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine people's attitudes toward family formation in and outside of marriage. Using data from the “2020 Survey of Public Perceptions and Values toward Policy Responses to Low Fertility and Aging Society', this study looks at people’s perceptions of the changing patterns of marriage and family formation—living together and raising children without marriage, for example—and highlights the need for alternatives to legal marriage. A cohabiting relationship between an adult man and an adult woman outside of marriage has been gaining increasing social acceptance. However, whereas 65.7% of respondents found cohabitation acceptable as a prelude to marriage, only 36.9% thought it acceptable for a couple to live together without intending to get married. This shows that cohabitation is more often accepted as a stage in the marriage process. Many respondents also thought the current institution of marriage is behind the times and felt the need for a system to protect cohabiting couples. These were sentiments widely shared especially among those in their 20’s and 30’s, who are more likely to benefit from marriage-related systems in the future. The majority of people responded that there were still many prejudices in Korean society about having and raising children without getting married. Nevertheless, there was a consensus that support for children should be equally provided regardless of whether or not the parents are married. In terms of protecting children born outside of marriage, the need for alternatives to marriage needs to be emphasized. It is time to consider making institutional changes in accord with changing society.