This thesis investigates (in)compatibilities between remaining in continuous employment and childbearing for married women in South Korea, which has the lowest fertility rate in the world and a low female labour force participation rate relative to most post-industrialized states. Using longitudinal data from the KLoWF survey, the research investigates whether being in non-standard versus standard employment affects the probability of having a first and second child, whether this effect is explained by differences in access to maternity leave, and whether a husband's greater contribution to the household mediates these effects.

Non-standard employment (such as temporary, contract-based or non-waged work) has become increasingly prevalent in South Korea since the Asian Financial Crisis,...[ Read more ]

This thesis investigates (in)compatibilities between remaining in continuous employment and childbearing for married women in South Korea, which has the lowest fertility rate in the world and a low female labour force participation rate relative to most post-industrialized states. Using longitudinal data from the KLoWF survey, the research investigates whether being in non-standard versus standard employment affects the probability of having a first and second child, whether this effect is explained by differences in access to maternity leave, and whether a husband's greater contribution to the household mediates these effects.

Non-standard employment (such as temporary, contract-based or non-waged work) has become increasingly prevalent in South Korea since the Asian Financial Crisis, particularly amongst women. On the one hand, non-standard employment offers the possibility for part-time and flexible work hours, which could better enable women to combine work with childbearing. This may be particularly important in light of a persistent gender division of labour in the home. On the other hand, however, non-standard employment is generally non-permanent, and unlikely to offer long-term career prospects or fringe benefits such as maternity and childcare leave.

Results from event history models show that women who work in standard employment are more likely to have a child than those who work in non-standard employment, but that maternity leave access fully explains this effect. Moreover, women with access to maternity benefits have a similar probability of parity two progression as women who drop out of the labour force. Husband’s greater contribution to the household is strongly linked to the probability of a second birth, but this effect holds regardless of whether or not a woman is working. The study highlights the importance of permanent employment opportunities with access to family benefits, as well as flexible work arrangements, which can help women to combine work with family.