Exploring the Diverse Family Structures in South Korea: Experiences and Perspectives of Nonmartial Cohabitants
Date
2021-08-02
Authors
Byoun, Soo-Jung
Choi, Shinwoo
Kim, Hye-Young
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Abstract
Historically, South Korean society has been deeply influenced by Confucianism, which has an emphasis on the traditional family structure. If a given family does not belong in the “traditional” norm, which is composed of husband, wife, and children, they are often discriminated against and ostracized. Despite the increasing number of nonmarital cohabiters in South Korea, research is still insufficient to understand the phenomenon. This study explores the prevalence of nonmarital cohabitation in South Korea, which is still met with discrimination. Online surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with cohabiters to gain an understanding of the phenomenon and to explore their marriage and family values. The findings of this study indicate that cohabiters who chose cohabitation as an alternative to marriage had more progressive values. Findings from the study provide implications for practice and policy.
Description
Keywords
cohabitation, diverse families, family planning, policies, South Korea, Social Work
Citation
Byoun, S. J., Choi, S., & Kim, H. Y. (2021). Exploring the diverse family structures in South Korea: Experiences and perspectives of nonmartial cohabitants. Societies, 11(03), 90.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.