Publication
The Korean Economic Forum
An Analysis of Heterogeneity in the Effects of Pronatal Policies: Effects of Cash and Child Care Supports by Income Group
Chulhee Lee (Seoul National University)Year 2022Vol. 15No. 3
Abstract
This study analyzes how the fertility effects of pro-natal policies, such as cash
and child care supports, differed by income group. For the purpose, we
estimated and used the county-level total fertility rate by employment status and
income, based on the Korean National Health Insurance data for the entire
population. The results suggest that the effects of pro-natal policies differed by
socioeconomic group. In general, cash and child care supports had stronger
positive effects on fertility of middle- and higher-income households than the
rest. This result perhaps indicates that richer families are at the “margin” of
having children. This study provides the following implications. First, it will be
desirable to evaluate the effectiveness of a policy by observing changes
experienced by individuals at the margin, not based on its average effect.
Second, it would be effective to mix various pro-natal policies that are
supplements to one another. Finally, it is necessary to consider potential
heterogeneity among different socioeconomic groups in preparing policy
measures and selecting indices for evaluation.