Exploring the Diverse Family Structures in South Korea: Experiences and Perspectives of Nonmartial Cohabitants

Soo-Jung Byoun, Shinwoo Choi and Hye-Young Kim
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Soo-Jung Byoun: Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Sejong 30147, Korea
Shinwoo Choi: School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Hye-Young Kim: Department of Social Work, Graduate School of Policy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea

Societies, 2021, vol. 11, issue 3, 1-13

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.

Keywords: cohabitation; diverse families; family planning; policies; South Korea (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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