한국 저출산 원인의 깊은 구조 분석을 위한 시론 - 국가의 성격 및 젠더 관계를 중심으로

Exploratory Study on the Deep Structure of Low Fertility in Korea: focused on the characteristics of the state and gender relations

&nbsp;&nbsp;This study attempts to explain structural reasons of lowest low fertility rate as well as the reasons of delayed policy response to the low fertility and its corresponding impact on population structure in Korean society which never been explored before. It has been usually explained that increasing women&quot;s employment and individualized attitude on marriage and family are the main reasons of low fertility rate. These reasons are classified rather superficial and misleading in this study.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;This study focuses on the fact that Korean state has been in developmental state for more than three decades, only recently moved towards an early stage of democratic state though not fully transformed into welfare state. In addition, the fact that major socio-economic policies are still based on traditional male-breadwinner model, not considering unpaid care-work performed in the family which represents private sphere, is also employed as one of the key factors in explaining low fertility. The combined effect of developmental state and old model of gender division is argued here as the main reason of low fertility and delayed policy response.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;Inter-permissiveness of public and private spheres as well as fundamental policy changes aiming at universal care-giver model are suggested for a future policy direction.