Demografie, Review for Population Research - No. 1/2025

Demografie, 67(1): 3–23
https://doi.org/10.54694/dem.0349

Abstract
Population ageing is associated with many challenges, one of those most frequently discussed is the sustainability of social and pension systems. In the context of increasing life expectancy, a common issue, for example, is the age of entitlement to retirement pensions and the possibility of motivating people to stay longer in the labour market. The population of South Korea, one of the fastest ageing populations in the world, which also has a high level of senior participation in the labour market, can serve as an important inspiration and source of information for European populations. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief description of the labour market position of the elderly in South Korea, along with identifying key factors that can influence the economic activity of older people. Using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing sample survey and applying binary logistic regression analysis, the research this article is based on, confirms that the high labour market participation of Korean seniors is likely associated more with their need to improve their financial security than with a personal interest or need for self-fulfilment. This can be seen as a reflection of the pension and welfare systems’ inadequate preparedness for a fundamental change in the age structure. The chances of participating in the labour market are lower for women, people with poor health, and, logically, older people. It is these groups of the population that are at increased risk of poverty. European countries can take advantage of the lower pace of population ageing to prepare more effectively for the challenges that this process is likely to bring in terms of financial security once the workforce is no longer economically active.

Keywords
South Korea, population ageing, economic activity, pension system

Demografie, 67(1): 24–37
https://doi.org/10.54694/dem.0355

Abstract
This study investigates the perceptions of fertility factors among highly educated and Catholic mothers living in Slovak cities who have large families, which are defined as families with three or more children. While considerable research has focused on the determinants of fertility, particularly in relation to the first and second child, the factors influencing the decision to have a larger family remain underexplored. I seek to fill this gap in part by examining how Slovak mothers of large families perceive various fertility factors that have contradictory effects on reproductive behaviour. Using in-depth interviews, the study reveals several heterogenous perceptions within my homogenous population, especially in the case of factors such as financial costs and institutional childcare. However, the perceived benefits of having children, rooted in religious beliefs, clearly outweighed concerns about career impacts or family budget constraints.

Keywords
large family, fertility, religiosity, female education, family policy

Demografie, 67(1): 46–56
https://doi.org/10.54694/dem.0357

Abstract
This study examines fertility trends in Czechia over the past three decades, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on published findings from across Europe, it explores how the pandemic and related factors, including the vaccination campaign, influenced reproductive behaviour. Fertility initially increased in 2021 but declined in 2022 and 2023, potentially in connection with vaccination programmes and delayed reproductive plans. Three mechanisms explain this trend, with delayed reproduction and post-pandemic adjustments being the most relevant factors for Czechia. The study also highlights broader fertility patterns across Europe and the role of economic factors.

Keywords
fertility, Czechia, COVID-19 pandemic, European context