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OMNES : The Journal of multicultural society
[ Article ]
OMNES: The Journal of Multicultural Society - Vol. 11, No. 2, pp.1-24
ISSN: 2093-5498 (Print)
Print publication date 31 Jul 2021
Received 29 Mar 2021 Revised 15 Apr 2021 Accepted 20 May 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14431/omnes.2021.07.11.2.1

Predictors of Child Well-Being within Multicultural Families in Korea

Sun Gue Yang ; Robert Rudolf*
University of South Carolina, United States
Korea University, Korea

* Corresponding author

Abstract

Using a survey of 123 biracial children with a Korean and a foreign parent, this study examines the predictors of child well-being within multicultural families in South Korea. We take a multidimensional approach to child well-being, focusing on five dimensions: nutrition, education, family well-being, social relations, and technology access. The findings suggest (1) the significant effects of family demographics and socioeconomic background on child outcomes. Mothers’ age, education, and household income improve a child’s well-being. In addition, (2) we find significant interactions across well-being dimensions. For instance, participation in private tutoring is strongly associated with a child’s social relations and emotional well-being at home. Moreover, the findings indicate that (3) cultural aspects play a significant role in explaining child outcomes. In particular, children with a Vietnamese mother are much less likely to have access to Wi-Fi, while children with a parent from North America or Europe show higher Korean language skills. Policies targeting biracial children should aim to strengthen the socioeconomic situation of multicultural families and improve their access to afterschool education. Moreover, policy makers should be aware of the cultural differences across immigrant parents.

Keywords:

biracial children, child well-being, multicultural families, South Korea, immigrant parent

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Biographical Note

Sun Gue Yang is a Ph.D. student of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, in United States. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from Sungshin Women’s University and Master’s degree in International Studies from Korea University, both in Seoul, South Korea. Her current research interests include Child Welfare Policy, Public Administration, and Race and Public Policy. Email: sungue@email.sc.edu

Robert Rudolf is an Associate Professor in the Division of International Studies at Korea University. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Goettingen in Germany. His main research interests are in the fields of international development, gender, migration, education, and well-being. Email: rrudolf@korea.ac.kr