육아존중문화로의 패러다임 전환과 긍정적 육아문화 조성방안 연구(Ⅲ): 가정과 지역사회에서의 육아존중문화 조성

Abstract

This study, which started from recognition that there is a largely negative view of childcare, is a three-year collaborative work designed to pave the way for a paradigm shift that would lead to a positive perception of parenting, i.e. a view that parenting is a joyful activity, parenting responsibilities are more equally shared between father and mother, and the culture is supportive of work-life balance and childcare. The purpose of the study is to examine parenting culture at home and in local communities, and suggest social and institutional strategies to address challenges; it aims to foster a positive parenting culture in the workplace where parents' childcare rights and the rights of the child are respected. A collaboration among the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education, SBS Broadcasting Group, and Seoul National University, this study uses both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. As part of a literature review, the study analyzed previous research, trends in parenting culture, and the system of delivery of childcare support in local communities. A case study analysis is made of what has worked at home and abroad in terms of local community childcare support and ways to foster a culture that honors childcare. Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted of 48 parents and 1,228 parents of infants, toddlers and lower-grade elementary school students were questioned on their perception of childcare, factors affecting it, and how changes can be made to foster a culture that is conducive to childcare. In view of fostering a culture that honors parenting, a debate of Parenting Culture Creators was organized, and a 13-hour long program titled 'Every child is everybody's child' was aired on SBS 'Hope TV' on November 19 and 20, 2021. Parents have shown a high level of satisfaction in terms of their 'relationship with their child' and 'the work they do to care for the child. Challenges and impediments to childcare at home differed by age group, with those in their 20s and 30s stating there was not enough time for childcare, while those in their 40s and 50s pointed to a difference between the father and the mother, or among family members, in how they approach and deal with childcare (philosophy and attitude). In parents' views, what constitutes a good local community environment is a playground or park where children can play and available childcare/educational facilities. Survey respondents were of the view that parents and their families be the ones driving a change in parenting culture. The survey results showed that the key to fostering a positive change in parenting culture at home is for parents to have the time to take care of children. Based on the findings, the study proposes the following policy suggestions. In order to improve parenting culture at home, we suggest continuously promoting and spreading positive childcare culture by promoting a culture that honors childcare through the central and local governments, businesses, and the media, and operating 'Parenting Culture Creators'. To provide institutional support to enable equitable family engagement in childcare, we need to seek more childcare capacity-building opportunities available for fathers and operate 'fathers' playground'. In addition, making programs that support life-work balance more readily available, increasing opportunities for building childcare capacity, making various information available, increasing parent education opportunities, and creating online/offline venues for the exchange of childcare information and communication can be considered. For improving the childcare culture in local communities and access to childcare support services in local communities, finding better ways to promote childcare support services, and expanding and reinforcing system to deliver government childcare support services are in need. To create local environments that are conducive to childcare (parks, playgrounds, and libraries) the communities can 'Diagnose KICCE childcare-friendly village' and make policy recommendations within their communities. To tailor childcare support services to the specific needs of rural communities, we can consider expanding medical service support and operating early childhood cultural centers unique to rural areas. On top of that, support in the creation of community-based childcare centers needs to be made. In detail, we can consider providing common space ('Yugajeong') for parents and children, and find ways to create healthy online communities. Lastly, we suggest building childcare support networks within communities by creating a network of childcare support around local businesses Overall, to create a culture that honors childcare and positive parenting culture, the promotion of childcare-friendliness in the parental environment is required by ensuring childcare support programs benefit those who need them the most and sustaining efforts to improve and promote childcare culture.