Longitudinal relationship between fertility subsidies and fertility rates

Objective: Concerns about the low fertility and population decline are increasing worldwide, and Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world. This study aims to comprehensively examine the policies implemented by local governments and investigate the longitudinal impact of fertility subsidy policy on the fertility rate in Korea. Method: The study utilized data on the total fertility rate of local governments from 2014 to 2018. Data analysis was conducted via SPSS 25.0 and M-plus 8.0 software. Model fit was assessed using TLI (Tucker-Lewis Index), CFI (Comparative Fit Index), and RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation). Results: The results showed a significant relationship between the rate of change in the fertility subsidy and the rate of change in the fertility rate (B=.006, p<.01). Specifically, as the fertility subsidy increased rapidly over time, the fertility rate gradually decreased. Conversely, a gradual increase in the fertility subsidy led to a sharp decline in the fertility rate. Conclusion: To effectively increase the fertility rate in South Korea, it is crucial to implement comprehensive policies that take into account social, economic, and demographic factors, as well as the findings of this study regarding fertility support. Highlights