A report by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs analyzed the impact of household labor division on the childbirth intentions of married women without children. The findings revealed that women who take on less than 50% of household chores are more likely to be averse to having children compared to those who assume a higher share of household duties. Traditionally, it has been understood that unequal household labor negatively impacts the additional childbirth intentions of women with children, but this study indicates that fairness in chores might lead to a consideration of opportunity costs related to childbirth, particularly among childless women. The research suggests that once women plan for childbirth, they may be more likely to adopt traditional gender roles regarding domestic duties.

In examining the current state of birth intentions among women in South Korea, the report indicates that these intentions serve as critical indicators in a society grappling with decreasing birth rates. Historically, women's education has significantly influenced birth rates during industrialization, but as society evolves, gender equality has emerged as a crucial factor. The study notes a U-shaped relationship, where birth rates initially decrease with increasing gender equality but begin to rise again once a certain level of equitable practices takes hold within society. Previous research has shown similar results, highlighting that households either practicing clear divisions of labor or adhering to traditional gender roles are more likely to see an increase in second births compared to those with ambiguous divisions of labor.