Better but unequal, Part II

In my previous column, I examined the progress made towards gender equality in Korea, highlighting improvements in areas such as life expectancy and personal autonomy. However, despite aspirations for a society with equal opportunities for all, significant gender disparities persist, necessitating further reforms in both public and private domains.

This follow-up column will explore the experiences of Korean mature, married women, often referred to as ajumma, or sometimes called gasa gwalissa in certain contexts. It is crucial to acknowledge the intersection of age and class when examining the status of these women. There are distinct categories of women based on their socioeconomic status: working, middle-class, and upper-class ajumma.

The life prospects of middle-class and upper-class women are generally more favorable compared to their ajumma counterparts. These women have greater access to higher status jobs, education, and higher income/wealth levels, all else being equal. However, they are still constrained by societal expectations that may discourage women from entering the workforce or resuming work after childbirth.

Additionally, they face pressure to maintain a "proper" womanly presence in public spheres, whether for civic involvement or other activities.