The institute said that reducing working hours could be the key to boosting the stagnant birth rate in a meaningful way. (Image credit: Kobiz Media/Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jan. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – Men who have higher incomes but are busier at work are less likely to have a baby, according to a report from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs.
In a report titled ‘Mid-long policy approach toward demographic changes’, released on 28th, the researchers noted that husbands who work longer hours had a strong penchant for not having a baby.
Average income, housing cost and savings for a couple also impacted the birth rate. As the income of a couple increased, the likelihood of having children decreased.
The survey was conducted on 663 married couples in their 30s to mid 40s in 2014.
The results are worth noting, since South Korea is struggling with a declining birth rate that is the lowest among OECD member countries.
An insight can be gleaned from the distinctive patterns shown in the report. The institute said that reducing working hours could be the key to boosting the stagnant birth rate in a meaningful way.
In the report, inquiries on leisure satisfaction by a couple were also included, and a couple’s high satisfaction in their pastime activities lead to a low birth rate. That means satisfaction derived from leisure activities appears to discourage couples from having offspring.
“A reduction in work hours and stabilization of housing costs proved among the most impactful factors concerning childbearing. But when it comes to increasing the birth rate, a change in work hours should be the most effective option,” said an official with the institute.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
