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

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.