Spatial Variation of the Effect of Regional Childbirth Benefits on Local Fertility: Application of Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression Model and Its Implications

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the spatial diversity of the effect of the childbirth subsidies on regional fertility. For an empirical analysis, multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression model was applied to spatially examine the effect of the per capita childbirth subsidy in Korea on various regional fertility variables. Main results are as follows. It was found that the per capita childbirth subsidy had a positive(+) effect on the region’s crude birth rate, total fertility rate, and fertility rate by maternal age, but this correlation was found to be different across regions. The results of this analysis suggest the need to build a feedback system that tracks and manages the results of the childbirth subsidy policy in a substantial way, particularly by region.