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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead (1901-1978)
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South Korea’s Demographic Plight

1 April 2024 Leave a Comment


This is a country with a massive problem. There is an ageing population, an issue compounded by a birth rate below the level of sustainability. Who will create the wealth, do the jobs, care for the elderly, perpetuate the nationality?


A further complication is the level of emigration; young people are leaving for a better balance in life and more fulfilling careers. The projected birth rate in 2024 is 0.68 children per woman. What does equate to?

  • Start with 100 people, which relates to 50 couples. At a fertility rate of 0.68 there will be 34 children born.
  • 34 children equates to 17 couples.
  • Therefore, the number of grandchildren for the original 100 people is 12 (6 couples).
  • 100 people (50 couples) have 75 children.
  • Those 12 grandchildren will produce just 4 great-grandchildren.

This is, of course, unsustainable, and must lead to a breakdown in society as it is known. In the UK the rate is around 1.54.

Using the same logic:

  • 100 people (50 couples) have 75 children.
  • 38 couples from the children will have 26 grandchildren.
  • The 13 couples from grandchildren will produce 10 great-grandchildren.

Not as profound as South Korea but not far off.

How will we address this?

Rob Ball
Connections:
07850 954075
rob.ball@workhorizons.com
rob.ball@naturallyconcerned.com

Websites:
Work Horizons – Organisational renewal through engaged, productive people
Naturally Concerned – Developing better business leaders
www.framingourfuture.com 

Books:
Beating the Wisdom of Hindsight: 75 Ways to Pursue Fulfilment and Avoid Regrets eBook : Ball, Rob: Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Sponges-Overcoming-behaviours-absorb/ Online Programs:
Empower Change by Learning to Live Well (indegu.co.uk)
Expanding Your Work Horizons (indegu.co.uk)

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About the author

After an extensive career in Human Resources, much of which was at a senior level, Rob is a consultant and executive, life and career coach. He is an international public speaker, author, and climate reality leader.

Rob is also a founder and director of Work Horizons, and director of Naturally Concerned.

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  • South Korea’s Demographic Plight
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