A multi-dimensional analysis on care regime of foreign care workers in South Korea

Abstract

Care deficits in Korea are filled by co-ethnic immigrants, in particular, Korean Chinese. This study aims to explain how care regime of foreign care workers in Korea is interconnected with welfare, employment, and migration regimes. Key findings are as follows: First, social services still does not meet care needs of families. Accordingly, families seek additional care services at private market. Second, employment conditions of care work are poor so that care market faces workforce shortage. Last, preference of migration policy for co-ethnic foreigners leads to inflow of Korean Chinese. This study concludes with implications for inclusive foreign care worker policy.