ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

The aim of this study is to examine women's political participation and public policies for women in Korea since 1960's to the present, and to propose some suggestions that will increase women's participation and produce more efficient guideline for public policies for women. This study is concerned with women's political interests, their recognition for political efficiency and political liability, and public policies aiming to promote their welfare. According as the survey held after the Local Election in 2002, women's political attitudes have been shifting towards active demands for participation in policy making process that will reflect women's state and their needs for improving their political status. In spite of increasing political participation of women in general, the level of participation especially in higher decision making positions is still low to influence on the direction of policy making. For effectiveness and efficiency of the policies for women this study proposes some guidelines. First, the policies for women should be set up and evaluated in terms of women's interests and needs. Second, there must be the effort to advertise the role of such political institutions as political parties and political organizations in building the policies and the policies themselves as well. The survey show that although women voters recognize the role of women's organizations they are relatively indifferent of the role and importance of the political parties. Third, the political education provided by schools in every level has to be considered as the prime tool of political socialization. Fourth, governmental interference in some extent is inevitable to initiate the gender equality. Fifth, political education and training will help women understand the meaning of the equal participation in political process.