A Study on the Korean Family Structure Through Daegu Family Registry 1681~1876; Pre-modern Nuclear Family Theory Revisited

Abstract

There has been a myth that the extended family is the most popular type of family in the pre-modern society. But it is not much supported by the historical data in European countries. This paper also tries to challenge the myth about the Korean family using Daegu Family Registry, which was recently digitalized. The data shows the family structure of Daegu DongSang-Myeon, DongJung-Myeon, DongHa-Myeon, and SeoSang-Myeon in Daegu-Bu from 1681~1876. The findings are:1) nuclear family was the most prevalent type among the variety of family structure, 2) the popularity of nuclear family was different by status- nuclear family is more popular at lower status, 3) the ratio of nuclear family was changing over times and its ratio increased sharply from the mid-19th century except the ruling class, Yangban.