earticle

영어

This study investigated the attitudes toward childbearing and the need for policies supporting childcare according to the mothers’ employment status. Data from 6 employed and 6 unemployed housewives with 1 child were collected using in-depth interviews. The main results from the data analysis comprised 4 themes: 1. the ideal and the real about childbearing; 2. changed experiences after bearing the first child; 3. the meaning of parenting; and 4. husband’s division of household/caring labor. A difference between employed and unemployed housewives was founded in their attitude toward childbearing. Furthermore, it was verified that the respondents were not satisfied with present policies and services for childbearing and childcare and they required existing policies to be more effective. The implications for related polices are suggested on the basis of these findings.