[Public Opinion Briefing No. 45-1] Household Satisfaction Score: 71.1 Points

[Public Opinion Briefing No. 45] Economic Crisis and the Family

[Theme 1] Household Satisfaction Score: 71.1 Points

[Theme 2] The Double Burden of Economic Crisis and Family Crisis

[Theme 3] Family: A Place to Rely On and Trust? Only 37.1%

[Theme 4] Vulnerable Groups Show Higher Rates of Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Theme 1. Household Satisfaction Score: 71.1 Points - Socioeconomic Status Determines Household Satisfaction

ㆍIndividuals from lower-income and lower-education backgrounds, and those aged 50 and above, report lower household satisfaction.

ㆍBroken homes (due to spousal death or divorce) are also factors contributing to lower household satisfaction.



While everyone may hope for a perfect 100-point satisfaction with their household life, reality often falls short. The overall satisfaction score reported by the public regarding household life was 71.1 points, which can be generally understood as a satisfactory level. (The satisfaction score here was calculated by assigning points from 0 to 100 to a 4-point scale ranging from 'Very Satisfied' to 'Not at All Satisfied', with each point divided into four segments: 0 points - Not at all satisfied, 33.3 points - Not very satisfied, 67 points - Generally satisfied, 100 points - Very satisfied).



However, significant differences in household satisfaction emerge depending on an individual's socioeconomic status. Satisfaction with household life decreases as individuals belong to more vulnerable socioeconomic groups. This indicates that economic affluence or social status serves as a primary criterion for evaluating household life. This suggests that the current economic crisis could potentially escalate into a family crisis, particularly among vulnerable populations.

First, household income level significantly influences satisfaction with household life. The highest satisfaction score of 76.4 points was reported by the upper-income group with a monthly household income of 4.01 million KRW or more. Households earning between 3 and 4 million KRW reported 75.2 points, those earning between 2 and 3 million KRW reported 70.1 points, and households earning between 1 and 2 million KRW reported 68.6 points. However, the lowest income group, earning less than 1 million KRW per month, reported the lowest satisfaction score of 61.6 points.

[Figure 1] Household Satisfaction by Monthly Household Income (Unit: Points)

In terms of education level, satisfaction scores were generally higher among those with higher education compared to those with lower education. Respondents with an education level of college graduate or higher reported a satisfaction score of 73.6 points, indicating that higher education correlates with greater household satisfaction. High school graduates reported 70.7 points. For individuals with a middle school education or less, the overall satisfaction score for household life was 62.5 points. This confirms that household satisfaction is lower among vulnerable groups with lower educational attainment.

[Figure 2] Household Satisfaction by Education Level (Unit: Points)

The survey results on family satisfaction by generation, reflecting life stages, are noteworthy. While individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s generally express high satisfaction with their families, satisfaction sharply declines among those aged 50 and above, transitioning into middle and old age. Those in their 20s reported 72.5 points, those in their 30s reported 73.3 points, and those in their 40s reported 73.8 points, showing relatively consistent satisfaction levels. However, individuals aged 50 and above showed a different pattern, with a satisfaction score of 67.1 points, lower than other age groups.

The generation aged 50 and above can be described as those who have strived to survive intense social competition and establish their families during their youth and middle age. A significant portion of this group is concentrated among the socially vulnerable, such as low-income and low-education individuals, as they did not have ample opportunities for material benefits and education during their formative years. However, with increasing average life expectancy and the erosion of concepts like mandatory retirement age and lifelong employment, they face societal pressure to prepare for middle and old age immediately after shedding the burdens of establishing a social foundation and raising children. The 50-somethings of today may be the generation that needs stability and comfort in their homes more than any other. Nevertheless, the fact that this generation reports the lowest satisfaction with household life underscores the significance of the social and personal sense of loss they may experience.

[Figure 3] Household Satisfaction by Age Group (Unit: Points)

Internal family issues also serve as important variables affecting household satisfaction. Recently, mortality rates due to various illnesses and accidents have been increasing, and the number of broken homes, including divorces, is rising across all age groups. Households where a spouse has died or divorced report significantly lower satisfaction compared to intact families. The satisfaction level regarding family among unmarried respondents, primarily in their 20s and 30s, was 71.9 points, and among married respondents who have formed a family, it was 71.5 points. However, for divorced or widowed individuals, the satisfaction score was a mere 57.2 points. This result suggests that living as a member of a broken home, whether by choice or circumstance, is not easy. Efforts to prevent the occurrence of broken homes, as well as efforts to eliminate social discrimination and prejudice against these families, should not be overlooked.

[Figure 4] Household Satisfaction by Family Structure (Unit: Points)