The Implications of Cash-For-Childcare on Gender Equality in the Korean Welfare State: Care Responsibility and Consequences of Cash-For-Childcare for Women

Abstract: Noting increasing ethos of free choice on childcare decisions, this study examines the implications of cash-for-childcare on women’s gender equality in the Korean welfare state. In order to do so, this study used the mixed methods analysis for looking at care responsibility and the women with young children’s decisions for cash-for-childcare, respectively. From quantitative phase, this study demonstrates in which way women’s care responsibility have presented after implementing cash-for-childcare. Throughout qualitative phase, this study also looks at the consequences of cash-for-childcare for women’s choice. Finally, this study discusses that the current cash-for-childcare have negative implications on the gender equality perspectives in the Korean welfare states.