The Factors Associated with the Birth Plan for Second Child and Second Birth for Married Women in Korea

Abstract

This study examines factors related to birth plan for second child and second birth for married women in Korea. It utilizes three waves of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Family(KLoWF). Regarding the birth plan for second child, married young women who are more satisfied with marriage life and their husbands’ participation in housekeeping are more likely to have the plan for having second child. The probability of having plan for second child is higher for women with living mother or mother-in-law and traditional family values. Married women who spent less private education expenses for their first child are more likely to have the birth plan for second child. Findings from the analysis on the second birth show that married women with young age, higher satisfaction on marriage life and their husbands’ participation in child education are more likely to give birth to their second child. Compared with working mothers, mothers staying at home are more likely to have second child. Higher level of private education expenses for their first child decreases the likelihood of the second birth. Policy implications are suggested to increase second births for married women in Korea.