Changes in the current family in South Korea

Abstract

How has the South Korean family changed during the past century, and what changes will take place in the furture? This study will analyze changes in the current South Korean family focusing on its functions and structures. The data used are taken from annual surveys conducted by the national statistics office, and a ' nationwide survey on families conducted in 2001. Analysis of the results reveals that in terms of structure, the trend towards the nuclear family is basically the same as in advanced nations, however there is an imbalance in the sex ratio among children. In terms of function, deep-rooted support can still be found for the traditional South Korean values of monogamy, preference for boys, opposition to cohabitation of children and roles differentiation within marriage. However, a great differences in traditional family values were evident such as changes in consciousness regarding a marriage partner of children, a pattern of receiving and giving support to parents, the range of family consciousness, divorce and remarriage. This study also found that married children are living close to their parents, and same sex silblings are maintaining close relations.