기혼근로자의 부부 공평성 인식이 출산의향에 미치는 영향과 결혼만족도의 매개효과

The Effect of Perceived Equity among Married Employees on Childbirth Intention: The Mediating Role of Marital Satisfaction

Background/Objectives: Equity refers to the psychological process through which spouses evaluate the balance between their contributions and the rewards they receive in the relationship. Perceptions of equity play a critical role in shaping marital satisfaction, which, in turn, significantly influences intentions to have children. Given South Korea’s persistently low birth rate and the increasing prevalence of dual-earner couples, this study examined how married employees’ perceptions of equity affect marital satisfaction and childbirth intentions. Methods: A total of 242 married employees within five years of marriage participated in this study. The survey measured perceived equity in three domains: working for pay, household chores, and spending money. Marital satisfaction was examined as a mediating variable in the relationship between perceived equity and childbirth intentions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis using the SPSS PROCESS Macro software. Results: Perceived equity in working for pay and household chores positively influenced marital satisfaction and childbirth intention. Interestingly, perceived inequity in spending money was also linked to these outcomes. Gender differences emerged with men reporting higher childbirth intentions, and both genders perceived the division of household chores as inequitable, particularly for women. Nevertheless, women reported higher marital satisfaction than men. Conclusion/Implications: This study underscores the significance of perceived equity, rather than the objective division of tasks, in shaping marital satisfaction and reproductive intentions. To effectively address low birth rates, comprehensive strategies are required, including enhanced marriage and family education, accessible marital counseling services, and the adoption of workplace policies that support family life.