Korea Gender Roles and Ideologies of Womanhood Essay

Korea Gender Roles and Ideologies of Womanhood - Essay Example Socially, it is no longer compulsory for women to wear the traditional dress that was hazardous and uncomfortable for them. It restricted breathing and movement. According to Bruce (256), the defiant personal appearance is one unique identity of the new Korean woman. They have invented their own ideal femininity and definition of beauty and choose how to appear physically. For example, they have discarded the national dress and opted for miniskirts, cloche hats, high heeled shoes, and wear the same hairstyles as men, short and elegant hair cuts. Modern men want their wives this way. Gender roles The change in gender roles can be seen where girls are allowed to leave home to work in towns and are expected to send money for their families back home. The educated and employed women actively support their families financially instead of just waiting to receive from their husbands. Husbands now allow their wives to ‘leave the house’ to look for a better life. Equality, Status, Autonomy and Power Today, girls can be found in the same educational setting as boys against the former cultural norms. Women are allowed to pursue their studies even abroad, away from home. Traditionally, girls could not be allowed to stay alone or undergo any form of segregation. From 1920s, more young girls have moved to urban areas for employment or education. Working for single ladies has been socially accepted as an intermediary stage between adolescence and marriage. Women are now treated equal to men in terms of human rights and are allowed to participate in national discussions. They are given a chance to express their determination publicly.