Navigating Work and Family in South Korea: Gendered Patterns and Health Consequences Among Young Adults

초록

This study examines dominant work and family pathways among young adults in South Korea and their associations with later health. Using 13 waves of the Youth Panel (2007– 2019), we identify pathways characterized by stable employment with delayed or negligible family formation as the most prevalent. Men who combine employment with marriage and parenthood report better health than those with weak labor market attachment or limited family involvement. For women, family roles are associated with better health; however, combining employment with family responsibilities does not yield additional health advantages. These findings underscore persistent gendered constraints in balancing work and family in Korea. To promote health across the life course, policies should address structural incompatibilities between employment and caregiving and create conditions that support both family formation and sustained labor force participation, particularly for women.

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