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In a survey of 17 advanced countries by the U.S. Pew Research Center in 2021 asking what makes life meaningful, South Korea was the only country where material well-being was the top response. Elsewhere, family or health was the top answer.
The Pew Research Center's 2021 study, "What Makes Life Meaningful? Views From 17 Advanced Economies," surveyed nearly 19,000 adults across 17 countries to explore what people find most meaningful in life. In most countries, "family" topped the list, but South Korea stood out as the only country where "material well-being" was the most cited source of meaning.
In South Korea, 19% of respondents pointed to material well-being as the most significant factor, slightly ahead of health (17%) and family (16%). This contrasts with other countries where family, health, or society often held the top spot. The study highlighted a broader issue in South Korea, where many people reported low levels of meaning derived from other aspects of life, such as community, hobbies, and relationships, which were notably lower than in other countries. This focus on material well-being is seen by some as a reflection of societal challenges, such as economic pressures and insufficient social welfare support(
Material well-being refers to the financial and economic aspects of a person's life that contribute to their overall quality of life and sense of security. It encompasses factors such as income, wealth, property ownership, access to resources, and the ability to afford basic needs like housing, food, healthcare, and education. In essence, material well-being is about having enough financial resources to live comfortably, meet one's needs, and pursue personal goals without significant economic hardship.
In surveys like the Pew Research Center's 2021 study, when people cite material well-being as what gives their life meaning, they are often emphasizing the importance of financial security, economic stability, and the ability to provide for themselves and their families. This could reflect concerns about economic pressures, job security, and the cost of living, which are especially significant in societies where material success is closely tied to social status and personal fulfillment(
The Pew Research Center's 2021 study, "What Makes Life Meaningful? Views From 17 Advanced Economies," surveyed nearly 19,000 adults across 17 countries to explore what people find most meaningful in life. In most countries, "family" topped the list, but South Korea stood out as the only country where "material well-being" was the most cited source of meaning.
In South Korea, 19% of respondents pointed to material well-being as the most significant factor, slightly ahead of health (17%) and family (16%). This contrasts with other countries where family, health, or society often held the top spot. The study highlighted a broader issue in South Korea, where many people reported low levels of meaning derived from other aspects of life, such as community, hobbies, and relationships, which were notably lower than in other countries. This focus on material well-being is seen by some as a reflection of societal challenges, such as economic pressures and insufficient social welfare support(
Material well-being refers to the financial and economic aspects of a person's life that contribute to their overall quality of life and sense of security. It encompasses factors such as income, wealth, property ownership, access to resources, and the ability to afford basic needs like housing, food, healthcare, and education. In essence, material well-being is about having enough financial resources to live comfortably, meet one's needs, and pursue personal goals without significant economic hardship.
In surveys like the Pew Research Center's 2021 study, when people cite material well-being as what gives their life meaning, they are often emphasizing the importance of financial security, economic stability, and the ability to provide for themselves and their families. This could reflect concerns about economic pressures, job security, and the cost of living, which are especially significant in societies where material success is closely tied to social status and personal fulfillment(
