Health Policy Manag.  2018 Sep;28(3):233-239. 10.4332/KJHPA.2018.28.3.233.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Low Fertility Issue in Korea

• Park JH

• KMID: 2422530
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2018.28.3.233

Abstract

A rapid decrease of total fertility rate to 1.08 in 2005 prompted the Korean government to plan and implement a "˜5-year plan for ageing society and population policy' starting from 2006. The 1st and 2nd 5-year plans had not shown any discernible impact on the fertility and the 3rd 5-year plan was launched in 2016. However, the fertility rate is going down further. The author reviewed the contents and assessment reports of the fertility promotion plan to suggest ideas for complementing the shortcomings of it. Author defined the major determinants of marriage and child birth as philosophy, politics, sense of value, social norm, culture, healthcare, and education. The plan was examined in view of these determinants. Transformation of Korea from an agricultural society to an industrialized society in a short period of time had brought about changes in most of the determinants of marriage and child birth; in particular philosophy and sense of value. These aspects were not put into consideration in the plan. Author suggested to launch a social education program for the general public to establish a sound philosophy of life, reform the sense of value on family, child birth and education, and cultivate the skill to draw a consensus through discussions on the social issues. A special program to promote marriage of women at the optimum age for child birth was proposed. The government should implement well balanced policy for economic development and labor. Multidisciplinary approach was recommended for these tasks.

Keyword

Low fertility; Public policy; Determinant of marriage and child birth; Complementary plan; Multidisciplinary approach

MeSH Terms

Birth Rate
Child
Complement System Proteins
Consensus
Delivery of Health Care
Economic Development
Education
Female
Fertility*
Humans
Korea*
Marriage
Parturition
Philosophy
Politics
Public Policy
Social Norms
Complement System Proteins