저출산과 가족정책

Abstract

The low childbirth rate is a complex issue that causes many social and economic symptoms.  Consequently, just a single proposal is not enough to cover policies to cope with low childbirth. It is emphasized that these policies should be approached from the point of view of children welfare, women welfare, and the family welfare. Enactment of the ‘Basic Law of Health Family’(2005) and establishment of ‘the First Basic Plan for Health Family (2006-2010)’ reflect well such points.   Korean government establishes family policies that support women, family welfare and support for childbirth as a social responsibility. It is especially important that these policies target stable and supportive environments for raising children. This needs to be made from the long-term point of view rather than enticement policy for direct childbirth increases, focusing on social responsibility in raising children. It is also important that these policies include a policy for “the reexamination of work methods including men” with regards to support policy for both child-raising and working conditions. Specific policy objectives include: alleviation of economic burden of raising children, establishment of a family-friendly labor policies that enables equality with guarantees for continuity in economic activities of women, and expansion of equal responsibilities for raising children in both men and women.