The expansion of social care and reform: Implications for care workers in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

A falling fertility rate, increasing longevity, government "social investment" strategies to achieve the transformation from industrial to post-industrial economy, and increased state support to help women balance family and work responsibilities - all these influences have produced mixed results for the poorly paid female care workers in low-status jobs in the Republic of Korea. The author summarizes policy changes and reports on interviews with childcare and elder-care workers, policy experts and researchers, showing that though increased regulation and expansion of public childcare have led to some improvements, the deregulation and marketization of elder-care have resulted in worsening conditions for elder-care workers. © UNRISD 2010 Journal compilation © International Labour Organization 2010.