Impacts of COVID-19 on Parents with Small Children in South Korea

Peng, Ito, Jun, Jiweon. Impacts of COVID-19 on parents with small children in South Korea: survey findings and policy implications, International Journal of Care and Caring, Volume 6, Numbers 1-2, February 2022, pp. 13-32(20) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/239788221X16330161584820

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of care and care work, and exposed pre-existing inequalities. Our survey of the impacts of COVID-19 on parents with small children in South Korea reveals that mothers were much more likely to bear the increased burden of childcare than fathers, which, in turn, had direct and negative impacts on their well-being. We discuss how South Korea’s dualised labour market, gender-biased employment practice, social norms about childcare and instrumental approach to family and care policies may have contributed to the persistent unequal distribution of unpaid care work within households and gender inequality.