Factors contributing to childbearing intentions of married working women in Korea

Abstract

This study explores the factors contributing to childbearing intentions among married working women in Korea. Using the 2012 National Survey on Fertility and Families of Korea, a total of 1,408 respondents were selected based on marriage, work and age. By conducting a logistic hierarchical analysis, the study examines the relationships between economic, social and psychological factors and childbearing intentions based on three parities: women with no children, one child and two or more children. Findings show that age, income level and childcare shared with spouses were determinants of married working women's childbearing intentions. Also, findings indicate that government support for childcare significantly influences married working women's future childbirth intentions, while marital satisfaction serves as a mediator between various factors and married working women's childbearing intentions. Findings suggest that gender inequality should be addressed in both the labor market and the domestic sphere to encourage married working women to start families. Also, public childcare support should be expanded and diversified according to the needs of married working women since it may have a positive effect on their childbearing intentions. © 2017, Mahidol University, Institute for Population and Social Research.