Precarious Work and the Transition to Parenthood among Japanese and Korean Women

• In Event: 4367 - Section on Asia and Asian America Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 9. Occupation and Work

Abstract

Deteriorating employment circumstances for young adults have been posited as one of the major factors contributing to fertility decline in East Asia. Using two nationally representative longitudinal data of young adults in Japan (Japanese Panel Study of Consumers) and South Korea (Korean Welfare Panel Study), we examine relationships of women’s work (e.g., unemployment, standard, and nonstandard employment) with fertility outcomes in these two countries. Results from discrete-time hazard models show that women in standard employment delay childbirth for both first and second birth. In addition, women in nonstandard employment are least likely to make a transition to first and second childbirth. These patterns are found to be the same in Japan and South Korea. We speculate that the reasons for delaying childbirth may vary by women’s employment type. Women in career jobs with standard employment may postpone childbirth for career advancement. In contrast, women in unstable employment conditions with nonstandard employment may postpone childbearing because of economic constraints. Findings of this study will help us understand interrelationships between precarious work, gender, and fertility. They will also shed light on the role of social, economic, and policy contexts that may condition these relationships.

Author

• Sojung Lim, Utah State University