America is home of the free and home of gender equality both in society and the workplace. American women are constantly pushing on the glass ceiling for equal rights and equal pay. I have grown up in a world where women are encouraged to be as successful or perhaps more successful then men. Women in America have come from a traditional background of servitude and inequality. South Korea has a very similar history. Women were raised to be subservient to men and were bred to become loyal wives and mothers. Much like traditional American views, women were only good enough for the house and men were destined for the workplace.
In the late 19th Century women in South Korea began to see a new world, a world that was full of new opportunities. During this time, “modern schools were introduced by Western Christian missionaries” who began to “educate women in arts, religion, and enlightenment” (Korean Overseas Information Service, 2014). Women became more empowered and were fueled to make a difference in their lives. I think it is important to analyze the history of women and see what challenges they overcame. By examining the challenges, women in future generations are more empowered to make better decisions for themselves. Soon, with the establishment of the Republic of Korea, “women achieved constitutional rights for equal opportunities to pursue education, work and public life” (Korean Overseas Information Service, 2014). Men have always been allowed to work in high power jobs and have always been seen as the dominant member in society (not just in South Korea though).
In South Korea women earn “70.5% of the salary that men earn even when possessing a 4 year college degree” (The Perspectivist, 2011). What does that say about women in South Korea even in contemporary times? Women are not receiving the same benefits as their male counterparts. South Korea is a country deep rooted in tradition, why would societal rankings be any different? Some factors such as “education, age, and geographic location are also important variables” to take into consideration because they influence what women will be seen in the workplace (The Perspectivist, 2011).
Fortunately, women rights are actively spoken about in Korea. In 1987, the Equal Employment Act passed allowing more equality in the workplace and to decrease discrimination. Many political activists are working to further improve these practices and to establish that they are seen in the workplace. Korean women are seeing more opportunities then ever before. I specifically am focusing on societal roles of women, because men have always had a high place in society and have not had to struggle as much for equality and have always been seen as esteemed members of the community.
South Korea is established under a similar government as the United States and is ruled under three separate governing branches. Ironically, despite past challenges, the President of South Korea is a woman. Park Geun-hye is the first woman President in South Korea. President Obama and Park Geun-hye can be seen pictured together as well. What does that say about the development of America? We have come a long way too, but South Korea has elected a woman, who was once viewed to only stay in the house, to rule their country. I am excited for the day that we too, as Americans can say that we have a female President.
Sources:
Korean Overseas Information Service. (2014). Women's role in contemporary korea. Retrieved from http://asiasociety.org/countries/traditions/womens-role-contemporary-korea
The Perspectivist. (2011, February 1). The changing status & gender role of women in contemporary south korea. Retrieved from http://www.perspectivist.com/business/the-changing-status-gender-role-of-women-in-contemporary-south-korea
In the late 19th Century women in South Korea began to see a new world, a world that was full of new opportunities. During this time, “modern schools were introduced by Western Christian missionaries” who began to “educate women in arts, religion, and enlightenment” (Korean Overseas Information Service, 2014). Women became more empowered and were fueled to make a difference in their lives. I think it is important to analyze the history of women and see what challenges they overcame. By examining the challenges, women in future generations are more empowered to make better decisions for themselves. Soon, with the establishment of the Republic of Korea, “women achieved constitutional rights for equal opportunities to pursue education, work and public life” (Korean Overseas Information Service, 2014). Men have always been allowed to work in high power jobs and have always been seen as the dominant member in society (not just in South Korea though).
In South Korea women earn “70.5% of the salary that men earn even when possessing a 4 year college degree” (The Perspectivist, 2011). What does that say about women in South Korea even in contemporary times? Women are not receiving the same benefits as their male counterparts. South Korea is a country deep rooted in tradition, why would societal rankings be any different? Some factors such as “education, age, and geographic location are also important variables” to take into consideration because they influence what women will be seen in the workplace (The Perspectivist, 2011).
Fortunately, women rights are actively spoken about in Korea. In 1987, the Equal Employment Act passed allowing more equality in the workplace and to decrease discrimination. Many political activists are working to further improve these practices and to establish that they are seen in the workplace. Korean women are seeing more opportunities then ever before. I specifically am focusing on societal roles of women, because men have always had a high place in society and have not had to struggle as much for equality and have always been seen as esteemed members of the community.
South Korea is established under a similar government as the United States and is ruled under three separate governing branches. Ironically, despite past challenges, the President of South Korea is a woman. Park Geun-hye is the first woman President in South Korea. President Obama and Park Geun-hye can be seen pictured together as well. What does that say about the development of America? We have come a long way too, but South Korea has elected a woman, who was once viewed to only stay in the house, to rule their country. I am excited for the day that we too, as Americans can say that we have a female President.
Sources:
Korean Overseas Information Service. (2014). Women's role in contemporary korea. Retrieved from http://asiasociety.org/countries/traditions/womens-role-contemporary-korea
The Perspectivist. (2011, February 1). The changing status & gender role of women in contemporary south korea. Retrieved from http://www.perspectivist.com/business/the-changing-status-gender-role-of-women-in-contemporary-south-korea