Better but unequal, Part II

In my previous article, I highlighted reasons for believing that women's status in Korea has improved in numerous ways, including longevity and personal freedom. Korea remains dedicated to a society where everyone has equal opportunities, yet there continues to be significant gender inequality that requires more progress and changes on both societal and private levels.

This piece will delve deeper into the situation of Korean adult, married women, referred to as ajumma or nowadays as gasa gwalissa in certain contexts. It is crucial to acknowledge the age and class aspects of being an individual. There is diversity in women, ranging from those who work to those who are middle- and upper-class. I have categorized these groups as ajumma, jubu, or jungsangcheung jubu, and samonim, respectively.

Compared to ajumma, middle-class and upper-class women enjoy more favorable life prospects, mainly due to their access to higher status, education, and income/wealth, all else being equal. However, they are still constrained by societal expectations that often prompt women to remain as homemakers rather than resuming or entering work post-childbirth, and to maintain a private life rather than engaging in public activities.