A Study of Representations of South Korean Women under the ConfucianTradition during the Period of Democratic and Economic Development from Korean Series Reply 1988

Authors

• Minthita Thanapiboonroj
• Paphonphat Kobsirithiwara

Publication Date

2024-06-26

Abstract

One of the nations where Confucian traditions have had a long-standing influence on women is South Korea and still adheres to these practices until present. The purpose of this research is to study the representation of South Korean women under the Confucian tradition during the period of democratic and economic development from Korean Series Reply 1988 (응답하라 1988). This study used a combination of qualitative research methods and quantitative research methods. By extract, the framework for women according to the Confucian tradition comes from content analysis of literature review, which are four factors; 1) morality 2) to speak politely and appropriately 3) appropriate etiquette appearance and 4) to have skills in own's work, to analyze women from three roles which are; 1) role of a daughter 2) role of wife and 3) roles of mother by record in coding sheet. The results found that five characters are reflecting the image of South Korean women according to the framework of women in the Confucian tradition during the period of democratic and economic development. In addition, representations of women that reflect the characteristics of women who fail to be align with the Confucian tradition were also found from two characters, that can be highlighted. One of the characters in the role of daughter did not have the gentle spoken characteristic and participate in politics activities. Another character, the role of mother, appears that she can have different opinions from her husband and has a role as a leader in the family. The result is consistent with Inglehart's theory that economic and social development affects cultural change in that society. The two-characters failures of the Confucian tradition had financially independent. Therefore, if society wishes to escape from patriarchal society, accelerating economic and social development are the factors that should be considered.

First Page

44

Last Page

61

Recommended Citation

Thanapiboonroj, Minthita and Kobsirithiwara, Paphonphat (2024) "A Study of Representations of South Korean Women under the ConfucianTradition during the Period of Democratic and Economic Development from Korean Series Reply 1988," Journal of Letters: Vol. 53: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jletters/vol53/iss1/4