Working Experience of Married Woman and Fertility in KOREA

Abstract

Various theories have been advanced in the past regarding the effects of working experience of woman on fertility. Numerous studies have applied the theoretical models to empirical data from various sources. In developed countries, economic activity of married woman tends to have a negative effect on fertility due to higher opportunity cost, maternal role incompatibility, and greater exposure to low fertility oriented modern ideas. But in less developed countries, especially in rural areas, such consistent relationship has not been found. It seems that maternal role incompatibility is not apparent for all the working women in less developed countries. This would be particularly the case if the household includes relatives or other members, available for child care. Thus, working experience of married woman does not necessarily impose a negative effect on fertility in less developed countries.