“Although I am an unmarried single mother, I have enjoyed childcare benefits provided by the government like a ‘married couple.’”
Sophie Olivier (44), an unmarried working mother who works as a lawyer in paris, France, is raising a seven-year-old daughter alone. The child was born purely unmarried without a civil solidarity agreement (PACS) that legally recognizes marriage or cohabitation. I had a child with my lover while living together,but we broke up when the child was two years old.
Ms. Olivier said, “I received all the medical expenses and examination fees supported by the government before giving birth, as well as child care allowances until the child turns three, just like a married woman,” adding, “When I started separating from my lover, my parents respected my decision.I did it. “Even if my daughter later becomes unmarried and raises her child alone, it won’t be a problem,” he said.
Recently, various opinions have been expressed in Korea about non-marital childbirth due to actor jung Woo-sung, and European countries where the non-marital childbirth rate is more than half and is becoming common are attracting attention. In particular, in France, where about 63.9% of newborns are born to unmarried parents, government childcare benefits are applied equally regardless of marital status.European countries with relatively low rates of non-marital births, such as the Czech Republic and Hungary, have also recently begun to introduce various policies to support ‘single-parent families’, including non-marriage.
● Hungary, where few people marry, also has ‘single parent centers’
In France, the proportion of newborns born to unmarried parents is close to 64% as of 2022.it ranks first among European union (EU) member states. However, regardless of whether the parents’ legal status is single or married, they can enjoy the same childcare support benefits.
There are no strict criteria for receiving special support just because you are not married. Representative family allowances (CAF), which are paid until the child is 3 years old, and paid parental leave of up to 6 months for the first child are equally applied.
In Sweden, where the proportion of non-marital births is 57.8%,more than half,unmarried parents can receive parental allowances for up to 480 days per child without restrictions. However, allowances are differentiated depending on the parents’ income level. in germany, the proportion of unmarried births is 33.5%, but unmarried families also receive notable protection. Unmarried parents also receive parental allowances steadfast by income for up to 14 months after the birth of their child.The allowance is usually about 65-67% of salary.
Eastern European countries, where non-marriage is not as common as Western Europe, have recently become active in supporting non-married births.The Czech Republic,whose birth rate is 1.62 in 2022, more than twice that of Korea (0.78), recently prepared a ‘National Action Plan for Child Security 2022-2030’.It includes support for kindergarten and after-school services for single-parent families, including unmarried ones, and provision of free meals.
In Hungary, which raised the birth rate from 1.23 in 2011 to 1.59 in 2021 by strengthening childbirth support instead of immigration policy, the ‘Single Parent Center’ is supporting unmarried families. It provides summer vacation camps and care services for children from unmarried families.
The ‘advance payment system for child support’, which is about to be implemented in Korea, has already been established in Europe for a long time. In Belgium, if the othre parent does not pay child support for at least two months in a year in a single-parent family, the government pays child support in advance. however, it only applies to families with a monthly income of 2,200 euros (about 3.25 million won) or less,protecting low-income single parents.
In Ireland, there is also a system called ‘one-parent Family payment (OFP)’. If a single mother or single dad is an employee,they can receive tax deductions as well as medical expenses and rent support under this system.
● “It is indeed possible to support domestic non-marriage, but it is not sufficient.”
Recently, in Korea, discrimination against families with unmarried children is rapidly disappearing as policies focus on children rather than parents. Support systems for child care and work-family balance, such as child allowances, parental benefits, and parental leave, supported by the government and local governments, are supported regardless of the parents’ marital status.
However,many point out that government support itself is still not sufficient. in order for a single-parent family to receive child support, they must earn less than 63% of the median income as of this year. Based on a two-person household,monthly income must be less than 2.32 million won. The amount of support is only 210,000 won per month (230,000 won in 2025).
However, to ease the burden on caregivers who raise their children alone, the government has decided to implement the ‘advance payment system for child support’ from July next year, in which child support is provided first and refunded from non-custodians.
There is also an opinion that in order to change the prejudice against non-married families, we must break the framework of perception of the so-called ‘normal family’ and socially accept various types of families. The ‘Living Partner Act’, which recognizes new types of families such as non-marriage, was proposed in the 21st National Assembly, but failed to pass the National Assembly due to opposition from the religious community.
What are the implications of non-marital childbirth on family policy in Europe?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Family Policy Expert dr. elise Martin
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Martin! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the fascinating and evolving landscape of non-marital childbirth, particularly in Europe and its implications for family policy. lets dive right in. We recently learned about Sophie Olivier, a lawyer from Paris, who has successfully navigated life as an unmarried single mother with the government’s support.What can you tell us about the benefits available in France for families, irrespective of marital status?
Dr. Elise Martin: Thank you for having me! Yes, Sophie’s experience is a prime example of how family policies in france are designed to support all parents. In France, about 63.9% of newborns are born to unmarried parents, which is quite notable. The government provides various childcare benefits that are equally available to both married and unmarried parents.For example, Representative Family Allowances (CAF), which help cover the costs of raising a child, are paid until the child is three years old, and there’s also paid parental leave. This inclusive approach helps to ensure that all children, regardless of their parents’ marital status, have access to essential resources.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see such an inclusive policy. Meanwhile, in South Korea, with the recent news surrounding actor Jung Woo-sung and model Moon Gabi, there’s been a growing conversation about non-marital childbirth. How do you think South Korea’s viewpoint on childbirth without marriage compares to that of European countries?
Dr. elise Martin: There’s a stark contrast. In many European countries, especially those leading in non-marital births like France and Sweden, societal acceptance of various family structures is prevalent, and governmental support reflects that. In south Korea, although customary views on marriage and family are still dominant, the conversation is gradually shifting. Jung Woo-sung’s situation has sparked public discourse on the legitimacy and stability of non-marital families. While many South Koreans might still prefer traditional family structures, there’s an openness developing to alternative arrangements, similar to those seen in Europe.
Time.news Editor: With France leading in non-marital births, do you believe other European countries will follow suit in adopting similar policies to support non-marital families? You mentioned that even countries like Hungary are beginning to take steps in this direction.
Dr. Elise Martin: Yes, indeed! Countries with traditionally lower rates of non-marital births are recognizing the need for reform. Hungary, as a notable example, has initiated the establishment of ‘single parent centers’, which provide support and resources specifically for single-parent households. This shift indicates a growing awareness that not all families fit the traditional mold and that effective family policies must adapt to diverse structures. As societal norms continue to evolve,I anticipate we’ll see more countries adopting policies akin to those in France,providing equitable support to all families.
Time.news Editor: What do you think are the primary benefits of such inclusive policies on society as a whole?
Dr. Elise Martin: Inclusive family policies have several benefits. For instance, they promote child welfare by ensuring that all children receive the necessary support regardless of their family structure, leading to better outcomes in health and education. Additionally, by normalizing non-traditional family dynamics, societies can become more accepting and inclusive, reducing stigma and discrimination against single parents. This fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for raising future generations.
Time.news Editor: Its clear that we’re on the cusp of significant societal changes regarding family dynamics. Before we wrap up, what advice do you have for policymakers in South Korea regarding this evolving issue?
Dr. Elise Martin: policymakers in South Korea should take a comprehensive view of family needs that includes adaptability in family structures.They can draw on successful models from Europe, particularly in terms of providing support regardless of marital status. Encouraging public awareness and acceptance of diverse family units is crucial. It’s also vital to facilitate dialogues that include voices from unmarried, single parents to understand their unique challenges. This can led to more effective policies that truly support all families in South Korea.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martin, for your insights on this important topic! It’s crucial for us to continue these discussions as society evolves.
Dr. Elise Martin: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss such an important aspect of family policy.