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Workplace Norms and Fertility

Author

Listed:
  • Jungho Lee

    (Yonsei University)

  • Sunha Myong

    (Kyung Hee University)

Abstract

We examine how workplace norms shaped by supervisors affect South Korea's low fertility rates. We find that an authoritarian supervisory style-characterized by mandatory after-work gatherings and inflexible work arrangements-significantly reduces desired fertility among female workers. This decline stems from the difficulty of balancing work and family under such management, a challenge amplified by unequal household duties and rigid labor markets. Overall, our study shows that workplace interactions extend beyond wages and productivity, reshaping personal and family life with important consequences for the broader economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Jungho Lee & Sunha Myong, 2026. "Workplace Norms and Fertility," Working papers 2026rwp-277, Yonsei University, Yonsei Economics Research Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:yon:wpaper:2026rwp-277
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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