• Journal of Labour Economics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.181-207
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to conduct a dynamic analysis of married women's return to the workforce following first childbirth. We have based our investigation on the data compiled by the KLIPS, where the workforce performance is the focal point of it's research, and by these materials, this study has analyzed the aspects of the factors that decide post-childbirth return to the workforce. We have applied the Cox Regression Hazard Model, where corroborative evidence are statistically applied. The following are the conclusions that were derived from this research: First, according to the study, academic background is a vital factor in reducing the gap and time of women's return to the workforce. Second, whether having active child-care after giving birth or not doubles the chances of women returning to the workforce. Third, if the pre-birth employment form was a wage-work and the rate of returning to the workforce was lower than the non-wage, relatively speaking, this reflects that the non-wage form of work, which provides a better possibility to return to the workforce after giving birth, could be another way to prevent women's career discontinuation.

• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.23 no.3 s.75
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• pp.153-167
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• 2005

This study was conducted to help develop women's human resources and promote married women's return to workforce. Using various data, we examined the patterns of Korean women's economic activities over the lifecycle, career discontinuation and return to the workforce. We also interviewed twenty full-time housewives who wanted to return to workforce. The interview questions included reasons for seeking employment, desired working conditions, and difficulties in finding a job. Major findings are as follows: First, there were two groups with respect to reasons why they want employment One was an economic need such as earning basic living expenses and supporting the family. The other was self-realization and social participation. Second most women wanted to do unskilled labor such as housekeeping work, whereas some young or well-educated women looked for a professional job. Third, married women preferred part-time jobs, which were compatible with their family care demands. Most of them wanted a workplace located close to home. The women with child-care responsibility preferred working at home. Fourth, regarding difficulties of returning to workforce, they pointed out vocational ability problems due to their career discontinuation, social prejudice such as gender discrimination and psychological pressure in maintaining work and family at the same time. In order to promote employment of married women, it is required not only to change social prejudices but also to increase effectiveness in policy implementation. In addition, counseling for job-search and vocational ability training programs should be provide.