Women, Family and the Care of the Elderly in South Korea-With an analysis of a woman’s life history

Abstract

As the elderly population is increasing and young population is declined, social issues around elderly care are emerged in Korea. A number of studies that have been done on the welfare of elderly people in Korea point out the various aspects of the problem of ageing in Korean society. However, some researches overlook the importance of the inherent emotional bonding between the cared and carers. It is reasonable to approach elderly care problems through enhancing the ability of elderly people and improving provisions for them. Elderly care, However, is much more than something you can buy from the shop. It is intrinsically a very personal and intimate affair not so much a transaction as a relationship. That is exactly why the family has been at the centre of the elderly care system. A proper look at elderly care requires a thorough examination of those who are doing the real work of caring for the elderly. In spite of changes of family structure, family size and women's participation in the labour market, the traditional norm of filial piety and the centrality of the family still remain strong, Thus, in this article, after exploring the meaning of family and care, a woman's caring work is going to be examined from a feminist perspective with an analysis of a Korean woman's life history.