Demographic Dilemma: North Korea Grapples with a Modern-Day Challenge of Declining Population

North Korea's Demographic Challenge: Kim Jong Un Addresses Declining Birth Rate at Rare Mothers' Meeting

In a rare and colorful political event in North Korea, the 5th National Meeting of Mothers, an all-woman audience in traditional Korean dresses gathered, marking a departure from the typical male-dominated political crowds. Leader Kim Jong Un's presence and speeches at the event, the first since 2012 and the first attended by a North Korean leader since 1961, signaled significant messages from the government.

The main focus of Kim's addresses was an acknowledgment of the country's declining birth rate, a problem the North Korean government has not publicly addressed before, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. This issue highlights the complex interplay between North Korea's economic policies, labor-intensive sectors, and perpetual resource scarcity, influencing its current birth rate.

Research suggests that North Korea's birth rate reflects both the success and failure of its economic policies, initially placing the country ahead of other developing nations but ultimately falling short of sustaining the population. United Nations assessments reveal that the average North Korean woman has 1.79 children in her lifetime, below the 2.1 needed for population maintenance.

While declining birth rates are a global concern, particularly in developed countries, North Korea's case stands out as one of the world's poorest economies facing this demographic challenge. In 2022, the country's gross national income per capita was only about 3.4% of South Korea's, making it an outlier with a birth rate comparable to upper-middle-income countries like China and Mexico.

The juxtaposition of North Korea's economic status and demographic trends adds a layer of complexity to the global discussion on declining birth rates, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by the secretive nation.

The Complex Demographic Landscape of North Korea: A Historical Analysis

A study by the South Korean government think tank, the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), delves into the intricate history of North Korea's declining birth rate. The research reveals that the country's birth rate fell behind that of upper-middle-income nations before 1970 and stabilized at the current level in the 1990s. This unique phenomenon is attributed to early policies aimed at maximizing the workforce, especially women, following the devastation of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Post-war, North Korea faced resource scarcity and sought to outproduce its rival, South Korea. To achieve this, the country implemented policies such as universal education, delayed marriage for young people, and measures to control population growth, including contraception and abortion availability in the 1970s. This proactive approach resulted in lower maternal mortality rates, reduced adolescent fertility, delayed first marriages for women, and higher adult literacy compared to other low-income nations.

However, starting in the early 1990s, North Korea shifted its stance and encouraged citizens to have more children as the fertility rate dropped to around 2. The government banned abortion, offered subsidies, and promoted benefits for families with three or more children. Unfortunately, a severe food crisis in the mid-1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, hindered this policy shift, leading to a cemented decline in the birth rate.

The food crisis compelled women to engage in unofficial economic activities to support their families, while men faced government-imposed unpaid labor. Hyun In-ae, a non-resident research fellow at Ewha Women's University's Institute for Unification Studies in Seoul and a North Korean defector, sheds light on the impact of the crisis, emphasizing the challenges faced by North Korea in navigating demographic shifts against a backdrop of economic and political upheavals.

Shifting Gender Dynamics in North Korea: Economic Pressures and Changing Social Norms

While the North Korean government claims gender equality, traditional gender roles persist, influencing the nation's demographic landscape. Despite government-assigned workplaces allowing women relative freedom, the collapse of the welfare system has compelled women to become the sole breadwinners for their families. Hyun In-ae, a North Korean defector, notes that having a child often meant sacrificing employment and risking starvation for the entire family.

The impact of the widespread famine, known as the Arduous March, in the 1990s reshaped family structures and norms. As women adapted to the dual responsibilities of traditional roles and newfound roles as breadwinners, social norms around marriage and family also underwent significant changes. Reports from defectors and inside North Korea indicate that young people now prioritize access to wealth over power when choosing a spouse, leading to delayed marriages.

A 2014 survey of North Korean defectors born between 1989 and 1994 revealed that economic conditions were considered crucial for marriage, with some expressing no plans to marry at all. The survey also highlighted shifting power dynamics within households, with women gaining a stronger voice as men's influence waned.

The dissolution of the concept of the "great socialist family," where the nation is regarded as one family with the leader as the "great father" and the ruling party as the mother, further underscores the changing societal landscape. Cho Jeong-ah, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), notes that ties to the government have weakened, and women have assumed the role of providers. However, Kim Jong Un's attempts to boost the country's birth rate by promoting traditional motherhood, such as creating Mother's Day in 2012, reflect a reliance on outdated ideals that may not align with the evolving roles of women in North Korean society.

Kim Jong Un's Rhetoric on Motherhood: A Call for Traditional Values Amid Demographic Challenges

During the recent National Meeting of Mothers, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed praise for mothers, describing them as "admirable assistants and faithful servants to their husbands and children." He highlighted their role as contributors to the "great socialist family," emphasizing the value of their patriotic mindset and hard work.

However, critics argue that mere rhetoric may not be sufficient to address the complex challenges the country faces. Hyun In-ae of Ewha University suggests that relying on traditional ideals alone is unlikely to convince women to have more children. Furthermore, she warns that a shrinking labor force could exacerbate North Korea's economic struggles.

South Korea's Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho noted that the decline in the birth rate is linked to changing perceptions among the younger generation and could have implications for the country's military and economy. The acknowledgment of these changing attitudes underscores the need for a nuanced approach that addresses both traditional values and the evolving realities faced by North Korean society. As the nation navigates these demographic challenges, finding a balance between cultural expectations and contemporary needs becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable growth and development.

In conclusion, North Korea grapples with a complex interplay of demographic challenges, economic constraints, and evolving social norms. Leader Kim Jong Un's recent rhetoric at the National Meeting of Mothers underscores a call for traditional values, emphasizing the role of women in sustaining the "great socialist family." However, critics argue that rhetoric alone may not be sufficient to address the declining birth rate and the challenges posed by a shrinking labor force.

Hyun In-ae of Ewha University highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers both traditional ideals and the economic realities faced by North Korean society. The country's economic growth and military capabilities may be affected by the changing perceptions of the younger generation regarding marriage and family.

As South Korea's Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho acknowledges the connection between the birth rate decline and shifting attitudes, it becomes clear that a nuanced strategy is required to navigate these challenges successfully. Balancing cultural expectations with contemporary needs is essential for sustainable growth and development in North Korea. The nation's leaders must address these multifaceted issues to secure a stable future in the face of demographic shifts and economic pressures.