In 2022 there were approximately 1.49 million households in South Korea which were headed by a single parent (that is, approximately 6.5% of populations in the country). [1]
These parents face a number of challenges, primarily economic, but also social. There is some government support for them, although a significant number of parents may not receive these benefits. Laws have been passed over time to provide further support for them.
The number and proportion of single-parent households increased after 2005 for several years, then declined. There were 1.37 million in 2005 (8.6%), 1.594 million in 2010 (9.2%), and 1.639 million in 2011 (9.3%). The proportion then declined to 6.5% in 2022. [1]
Single-parent families cite economic problems as their greatest challenge. [2] [3][ page needed]
Other challenges include family issues, interpersonal problems, managing child rearing, isolation due to a diminished social life, and dealing with grief if their partner had died. [4] [5] In particular, female single-parent families were found to be particularly stressed by these issues. [6] These issues lead to health impacts. There is a high occurrence of depression and low self-esteem, caused in part by social stigmas around single parents. [6] In particular, it has been noted that single mothers will experience more stigma and difficulties than single fathers. [2] [7] In 2009, several unwed mothers came today and established the Korean Unwed Mothers’ Families Association KUMFA. [8] KUMFA offers practical and community support to unwed mothers. [9]
The social networks are important for dealing with these issues. However, divorced couples may experience greater difficulty in this area as they lose social connections that were through their spouse. [6]
Around 87 percent of single-parent families do not receive any government support.[ citation needed][ when?] In 2020, the country had the highest poverty rate among single-parents in OECD countries. [10] South Korea's single-parent family support policy is based on the Single-Parent Family Support Act. The Single-Parent Family Support Act was enacted in 1989. [11]
Laws passed in 2011 and 2013 have provided a legal framework for combatting social prejudice and discrimination against single parents. In 2011, a law was passed that allowed the continuance of government support even if their children were aged 18 or older. [12]
{{
cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (
link) CS1 maint: others (
link)
KUMFA - Korean Unwed Mothers Families Association official website
In 2022 there were approximately 1.49 million households in South Korea which were headed by a single parent (that is, approximately 6.5% of populations in the country). [1]
These parents face a number of challenges, primarily economic, but also social. There is some government support for them, although a significant number of parents may not receive these benefits. Laws have been passed over time to provide further support for them.
The number and proportion of single-parent households increased after 2005 for several years, then declined. There were 1.37 million in 2005 (8.6%), 1.594 million in 2010 (9.2%), and 1.639 million in 2011 (9.3%). The proportion then declined to 6.5% in 2022. [1]
Single-parent families cite economic problems as their greatest challenge. [2] [3][ page needed]
Other challenges include family issues, interpersonal problems, managing child rearing, isolation due to a diminished social life, and dealing with grief if their partner had died. [4] [5] In particular, female single-parent families were found to be particularly stressed by these issues. [6] These issues lead to health impacts. There is a high occurrence of depression and low self-esteem, caused in part by social stigmas around single parents. [6] In particular, it has been noted that single mothers will experience more stigma and difficulties than single fathers. [2] [7] In 2009, several unwed mothers came today and established the Korean Unwed Mothers’ Families Association KUMFA. [8] KUMFA offers practical and community support to unwed mothers. [9]
The social networks are important for dealing with these issues. However, divorced couples may experience greater difficulty in this area as they lose social connections that were through their spouse. [6]
Around 87 percent of single-parent families do not receive any government support.[ citation needed][ when?] In 2020, the country had the highest poverty rate among single-parents in OECD countries. [10] South Korea's single-parent family support policy is based on the Single-Parent Family Support Act. The Single-Parent Family Support Act was enacted in 1989. [11]
Laws passed in 2011 and 2013 have provided a legal framework for combatting social prejudice and discrimination against single parents. In 2011, a law was passed that allowed the continuance of government support even if their children were aged 18 or older. [12]
{{
cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (
link) CS1 maint: others (
link)
KUMFA - Korean Unwed Mothers Families Association official website