Under fertility’s Challenge to Gender Relations in Urban Korea, Daegu

Over the last couple of years South Korea has exhibited a lowest fertility rate of slightly less than 1.2 birth per woman. Daegu, one of the provinces of South Korea is lower than the national level- 0.99 birth per woman in 2005 and 1.15 birth per women in 2011. Health, gender and childcare policy decisions undoubtedly play a major role in the trend of birth rate in the region. While the government has raised budgets for low birth, the birth rate has improved including Daegu region. However, other important factors rear their heads as the desire to have children. This paper explores a closer look at the case of Daegu focusing on prevailing attitudes on marriage, childbearing, and gender role are examined to reflect on the demographic problem of few children. The policy development and implementation are analysed to uncover how they promote birth rate in terms of gender roles between men and women in particular.