ABSTRACT
This chapter approaches marriage, gender roles and sexuality as largely historical, discursive and legal constructs. It discusses neo-Confucian gender ideology and practices during the Choson dynasty and the lasting impact of that era on gender discourse and everyday life even today. The chapter highlights patrilineal social arrangements and the ideology of chastity as a politically and culturally sanctioned mechanism to regulate and control women’s sexuality. It examines Korea’s experience with modern Japan, Europe and North America from the late nineteenth century to the first half of the twentieth century period during which Korea’s ‘enlightenment’ movements took place and Korea underwent colonisation by Japan. The chapter analyses the postcolonial experience in South Korea since 1945 with a central focus on the ways in which rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, militarisation, and gradual democratisation have shifted perspectives on sexuality and gender politics in general.
