More parents in Korea now lean towards preferring daughters over sons.
Historically, Korean society strongly favored sons due to Confucian values emphasizing patrilineal succession and ancestor worship. Sons were traditionally responsible for continuing the family lineage, caring for elderly parents, and performing ancestral rites. However, societal values are evolving.
According to data from 2023, more parents in Korea now prefer daughters. For example, one 39-year-old mother in Suwon, Gyeonggi, already had two sons but specifically planned for a daughter with her husband, focusing on their health and diet to achieve this goal. This illustrates a shift in priorities, where the desire for a daughter can be a conscious and planned decision.
Factor | Historical Preference | Current Trend |
---|---|---|
Gender Preference | Sons | Daughters |
Societal Values | Confucianism | Evolving family dynamics |
Example | Patrilineal Succession | Planned pregnancy for a daughter |
This shift does not mean sons are unwanted, but it reflects changing attitudes towards gender roles and family dynamics in modern Korea.