Analysis of Marriage Intentions Among Seoul Youth

In Korean society, the decline in marriage rates and fertility is a social phenomenon that continues to be observed. Under traditional values, it was once common to marry and have children at a certain stage in life, but these values have collapsed. Various surveys show a growing sentiment that marriage is not necessarily required. To understand this shift, it is essential to grasp the changing context of family formation among young people. The decline in marriage intentions may be influenced by broader socio-economic factors, not just individual choices. Additionally, satisfaction with one's current life and anxiety about the future may lead young people to make more "secure" life choices.

This study analyzes attitudes toward family formation using data from the Seoul Youth Panel. I examined socio-economic background variables, life satisfaction, and depression, which could affect young people's intentions to marry. Furthermore, we explored how marriage intentions have changed in relation to the socio-economic circumstances surrounding youth. Through this analysis, I aim to better understand the underlying causes affecting decisions about marriage and childbirth.