Gender Attitudes, Housework Division, and Fertility Intentions Among Married People in South Korea

• In Event: Family Section Open Call Paper Session

Abstract

This study examines how gender attitudes and the division of housework are associated with fertility intentions among married adults in South Korea. Specifically, we investigate whether consistency between individuals’ gender attitudes and their share of housework is positively associated with fertility intentions. Using data from the 2021 and 2024 Family and Fertility Survey, we classify the gender attitudes-housework division index into six categories: nonegalitarian attitudes with low, equal, or high share of housework, and egalitarian attitudes with low, equal, or high share of housework. The results suggest that women with non-egalitarian attitudes and a low share of housework have significantly lower odds of reporting fertility intentions to have a first child compared to women with egalitarian attitudes and an equal share of housework. In contrast, women with egalitarian attitudes and a high share of housework exhibit higher odds of intending to have a first child relative to the reference group. Among men, however, those with egalitarian attitudes and a high share of housework have lower odds of reporting fertility intentions for a first child compared to men with egalitarian attitudes and an equal share of housework. Notably, the gender attitudes-housework division typology is not significantly associated with fertility intentions for a second child for either women or men. We conclude by discussing progress toward gender egalitarianism in Korea and its implications for persistently low fertility.

Authors

• Soo-Yeon Yoon, Sonoma State University

• In Choi, University at Albany, SUNY