A Qualitative Study of Korean Men Experiencing Stress Due to Nonprestigious Hakbeol

Abstract

Hakbeol refers to one’s place in a hierarchical undergraduate pedigree system in South Korea. This qualitative study explored 12 Korean men’s experiences with societal prejudices associated with nonprestigious hakbeol status (e.g., attending “lesser-known” universities). Considering the gender role strain paradigm and the Confucian historical context in Korea, this study attempted to illuminate psychological issues stemming from Korean men’s emphasis on the value of a prestigious hakbeol status. Participants reported (a) holding both supportive and critical views about the hakbeol system; (b) perceiving an influence of their hakbeol status on fulfilling their filial piety; (c) experiencing unwanted everyday experiences in relation to others, careers, and self-image; and (d) making efforts to cope with barriers related to their hakbeol status. These findings provide psychologists with the language and evidence to address mental health concerns caused by hakbeol-based discrimination and systemic injustice issues. Implications for counseling, training, advocacy, and research are discussed.