Determinants of Perceived Accessibility of Maternity Leave and Childcare Leave in South Korea.

Eun Jung Kim,Mi Jeong Kim,Won Ju Hwang

doi:10.3390/ijerph181910286

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of perceived accessibility of maternity leave and childcare leave in South Korea. Although maternity leave and childcare leave are mandated in Korea, many employees are hesitant to use the policies. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine why some women are more likely than others to perceive the policies as inaccessible and to identify what those women’s characteristics are. The results revealed that nonregular workers were significantly less likely than regular workers with secure contracts to perceive the policies as accessible even though they were eligible for them. In addition, workers who worked in the private sector, did not belong to a labor union, worked in small firms, or worked long hours were significantly less likely to perceive the policies as accessible than those who worked in the public sector, belonged to a labor union, worked in large firms, or worked short hours. Further, workers with low salaries were significantly less likely than workers with high salaries to perceive the policies as accessible. The study underscores that accessibility of leave policies in Korea is significantly correlated with women’s employment status and wage level in the labor market.

Highlights

In 2020, the total fertility rate in South Korea was 0.84, the lowest in the world [1]
Women and Families (KLoWF), the present study examined on a national scale the factors associated with working women’s perceived accessibility of maternity leave and childcare leave in Korea
In this study, we suggest expanding the benefit amounts to be more generous to increase accessibility and use of maternity leave and childcare leave in Korea

Summary

Introduction

In 2020, the total fertility rate in South Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea) was 0.84, the lowest in the world [1]. Difficulties balancing work and family responsibilities have been associated with women’s reluctance to have children in Korea [2]. The Confucian patriarchal culture has placed many burdens on Korean working women, who are still considered responsible for the majority of household tasks [4]. In an effort to increase fertility among working women and promote work–family balance, the Korean government has actively expanded maternity leave and childcare leave since the 2000s [4]. Despite the government’s effort, the fertility rate has constantly dropped in Korea, and the actual use of maternity leave and childcare leave by working women still remains relatively low [4]. According to a 2012 national report, 24% of Korean employed women who gave birth used maternity leave, and 35% used childcare leave [5]

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Discussion

Conclusion