W 13.1

 W 13.1

May 27, 2024

SUMAARY: 

Today's class focused on the male-female gap, highlighting several differences in what men and women generally seek. These differences are influenced by biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, though it's important to note that individual variations are even greater. Broadly speaking, women tend to prefer more stable and secure environments, which can be explained through evolutionary psychology. Stability and safety are crucial for survival and reproduction. Conversely, men often gravitate towards adventure and challenges, potentially linked to the influence of testosterone, a male hormone. Women typically place a higher value on relationship-building and communication, driven by the desire to create and maintain social networks through intimacy. Men, on the other hand, often prioritize achievement and goal attainment, which are significant factors in terms of survival and reproduction. Psychologically, women are generally more adept at expressing their emotions and understanding the emotions of others. This skill plays a vital role in parenting and caregiving. Men, however, are more likely to express their emotions through actions rather than verbal communication. In terms of problem-solving, men usually focus on finding effective solutions, emphasizing problem resolution. Women, however, tend to prioritize understanding and empathizing with the problem, aiming to strengthen relationships in the process. Social and cultural factors also play a significant role, as societal expectations for men and women differ widely. In many cultures, men are expected to be the primary breadwinners, while women are often seen as the primary caregivers. These expectations significantly shape the needs and preferences of men and women. Therefore, the differences in what men and women want are the result of a complex interplay of various factors, revealing general tendencies that transcend individual differences.

INTERESTING POINTS: 

In today's lecture, I found the discourse on the evolving demographics of the working-age population in Korean society particularly compelling. The professor presented a graph indicating that the percentage of the labor force was 45% in 1960, ascended to 65% in 2005, and is projected to decline to 49% by 2050. This transformation is predominantly attributable to Korea's swiftly aging society, characterized by a declining fertility rate and increasing life expectancy, which engender a higher proportion of elderly individuals. Consequently, by 2050, a significant number of people will reach retirement age, thereby diminishing the proportion of the workforce. Furthermore, Korea's fertility rate, among the lowest globally, results in a diminished influx of young individuals into the labor market, thus reducing the aggregate labor force. Advancements in technology and automation also contribute to this shift, as certain jobs may become obsolete or necessitate fewer human laborers. The transition from a manufacturing-centric to a service-oriented economy further impacts labor intensity and the workforce proportion. Moreover, the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy can precipitate job transfers, while governmental policies regarding retirement age and the reemployment of senior citizens also play a crucial role. Lastly, evolving social perceptions and values concerning work, such as a preference for work-life balance and diverse forms of employment, influence the labor market participation of younger generations. These intertwined factors elucidate the increase in the working-age population from 1960 to 2005 and the anticipated decline by 2050.

DISCUSSION AND QUESTION:

The issue of the low fertility rate in South Korea arises from a multitude of factors. While I believe that government benefits play a significant role, what might be the other underlying reasons?