For Korean women: better days, still unequal

Korea has continued to develop its culture into a more democratic society and advanced, high-tech economy.

For purposes of this column, a democratic society is one where life chances and opportunities are equal for women and men.

The equalizing face of Korea is mixed with elements of an authoritarian past, Confucianism and other value streams.

While there is a ministry for gender equality, needed reforms are sparse.

There is growing individualization of Korean women’s thinking and living, by young and old alike.

The picture is one of a better context for women, but still unequal.

Korean women enjoy a longer life expectancy than 50 years ago, and they tend to live longer than men.

Georank indicates life expectancy has risen from 17.5 years to 87.5 years for women and from 22.2 years to 86.1 years for men since 1950.

There can be no doubt that the advance of Korean society from the era of the Korean War has been impressive.

However, along with living longer, many Korean women live alone.

The demise of extended family households sees a higher percentage of Korean women living by themsel ...