Comparison of Family Leave Legislation between Japan and Korea and Its Implications
Yun-Hsiang Hsu
Abstract
With the women's educational opportunities increasing in recent years, the rate of women's labor participation has increased, and the proportion of double-income families has also increased. However, affected by traditional gender roles, women entering the labor market still have to bear family care responsibilities. In response to such pressures, one of the members of double-income families is often forced to quit their jobs and withdraw from the labor market when family members encounter medical or other emergencies. This choice is more common in the aging society. The balance of work and family is not only a problem for employees, but also a management problem for business owners. It requires government involvement to provide assistance. This study compares the paid and unpaid family leave regulations of Taiwan, Japan, Korea. The research suggests policy recommendations for a decree to establish a supportive workplace that promotes equal rights of gender and keeps women from withdrawing from work because of their traditional role as care providers.
Keywords: paid family leave, work life balance, female labor participation