Work-Family Balance among Dual-Earner Couples in South Korea: A Latent Profile Analysis

The declining birth rate in South Korea is concerning and linked to stress in the work-family balance, which is known to affect family planning. Therefore, providing proper support to double-earner couples might help improve the fertility rate. Work-family balance refers to the ability of individuals to perform their roles at work and home with equal involvement. This study identifies two aspects: gains and strains. Latent profile analysis is employed to create a typology that can account for the diversity in work-family balance. This approach is person-centered rather than variable-centered, and it identifies clusters of individuals that differ qualitatively, thereby examining the strains and gains experienced by double-earner couples. We classify the types of work-family balance and identify the attributes of each profile. The findings showed that men were more likely to belong to the high-gain class when they had a temporary position, multiple children, good health, low depression, higher life satisfaction levels, and strong social support. Women were more likely to belong to the high-gain class when they experienced high happiness levels and strong social support. Based on these profiles, we provide recommendations to enhance work-family balance, thereby contributing to strategies to overcome low birth rates.