Women between tradition and modernity. Traditional gender relations in a modern society: Korea

In Korea, gender relations are characterized by a specific combination of tradition and modernity. They can be seen as an aspect of the process of modernization. The Confucian family structure - familism and the man-centred family system - serves as a cultural framework for gender relations. Although the sphere of family, marriage and women has considerably changed during the process of modernization, it has not led to a fundamental change in traditional gender relations. Due to a specific combination of traditional Confucian cultural ideals on the one hand and modern capitalist-industrial economy on the other, the process of marriage contributes to the reproduction and stabilization of traditional gender relations. Empirical research on everyday family life after marriage clearly demonstrates that while many women accept conflicts with traditional values and norms, others submit to tradition. Generally, Korean family life is centred around the husband and his family. Even families living in Germany who can escape from the direct influence and interference by the husband's parent family do not practise modern gender roles and a modern division of labour. In Korea, a conflict between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law can frequently be observed, which is a manifestation of the generation gap modified by the typical Korean family structure. The article concludes by asking what would be required for the establishment of modern gender relations in Korea and finds: first, the establishment of various social spheres and groups, second, the improvement of social policies, and third, an increased individualism, which could be achieved by changing patterns of school education.