A Reflective Discussion of Birth Encouragement Policy and Child Welfare in Korea

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study aims to look into the present status of low fertility and its cause and currently- implemented childcare policies, and to discuss the childbirth promotion policy as a child welfare policy in the light of children. Concerns over the sustainable development possibility of Korean society are spreading due to the world’s lowest fertility rate. The significant reasons of the low birthrate in Korea are: 1) Instability in female employment due to tightness of labor market; 2) Social environment that does not allow women to have both work and family (social recognition, lack of system); 3) High expense in bringing up a child and education; 4) Late marriage, increase in unmarried and family-related matters; and 5) Increase in Non-Cohabitation Couples who spend more than at least three days per week at separate residences. The low fertility problem is not one that is generated by a certain reason, and accordingly, it’s impossible to find a solution to the problem using a certain kind of countermeasure. Therefore, the fertility policy effects can be produced only after detailed countermeasures in each field are set up and they are promoted continuously and in an integrated manner with a long-term view. The policy to meet the above mentioned matters should be sought in connectivity with many realms, such as a children, women, family, childcare, education, employment, and economy in the midst of the changes in general socio-economic environments.

참고문헌 (Reference)

1 Ministry of Health and Welfare, "The second low fertility aging society master plan" 2011

2 National Statistical Office, "The present status and characteristics of a household which has family members in other regions, shown in the result of the population census: 2010" 2012

3 Ministry of Health and Welfare, "Saeromaji plan 2015" 2008

4 Kim, K. W., "Policy of birth encouragement and child welfare in Korea" 2006

5 National Statistical Office, "Estimation of future population" 2006

6 Han, Y. O., "A study of the impact of the rearing support policies on the willingness of chilbirth" Graduate School of Kyungwon University 2012

7 Ministry of Health and Welfare, "A complement to master plan for low fertility aging society" 2008

8 National Statistical Office, "2011 Birth statistics" 2012

9 National Statistical Office, "2009 Birth statistics" 2010