The Study on Determinants of Free Choice at the Micro Level: Focusing on the Comparison of Preferred and Actual Choice

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between preferred and actual choice for the rights (i.e. the right to work vs. the right to parenthood) and to analyze the determinants of free choice at the micro level. Applying chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis, this study analyzed 127 cases collected through face-to-face interview with adults with children under the age of 6. The results of these analyses are as follows. Firstly, the proportion of people chose the right to work is much bigger than the right to parenthood in actual choice, while the proportion of people prefer choosing the right to parenthood is nearly same as that of the right to work. Secondly, the results of chi-square test show that there is a statistically significant difference depending on sex, the level of education, and the level of satisfaction of child care service by preferred choice. However, there is a statistically significant difference depending on working time and his/her own income variable in actual choice. Thirdly, variables such as sex and the number of children have significant influence on his/her likelihood of preferred choice, while only total amount of assets variable has influence on his/her likelihood of actual choice. Finally, the logistic regression analysis of female sample shows that total amount of assets and gender stereotyping variables have influence on his/her likelihood of actual choice. Such findings show that policy alternatives which bolster awareness about gender equality should be established to increase female labor participation.