Exploring Work-Life Balance Through a Gender Lens: Experiences from South Korea and the Nordics
Tove Jalmerud and Josephine Ørgaard Rasmussen
Balancing professional and personal opportunities and responsibilities is essential for improving well-being and productivity, prompting many governments and businesses to introduce policies supporting this goal. However, many people still struggle to achieve work-life balance, as gender-related factors like prevailing gender norms, family responsibilities, and societal expectations create additional barriers. South Korea is rapidly recognizing the importance of improving work-life balance, partly due to its problematic demographic position. Meanwhile, the Nordics are frequently regarded as pioneers in gender equality and work-life balance, although significant challenges still remain. In both regions, discussions around flexible working hours, remote work, and parental leave have gained momentum, reflecting a broader push for a better balance between work and personal life. So how are
these issues experienced at the individual level?
In anticipation of our forthcoming conference on Gender and Work-Life Balance in South Korea and the Nordics, ISDP’s Korea Center interviewed two South Korean women on their experiences and perceptions of work-life balance in these regions. Both women are familiar with the Nordic countries and the aspects that shape the region’s work-life balance. The interviewees vary in age and family situation in order to highlight potential differences and implications of work-life balance across different stages of life.
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