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.
Highlights
In contemporary society, it is important that diverse family structures are accepted and treated without discrimination or prejudices
South Korea as a society has been deeply influenced by the values of Confucianism which was originated in China [2]
Based on the literature and current research, the various cohabitation patterns in South Korea can be classified into two categories of cohabiting that are often used in Western society: cohabitation as a stage in the marriage process, and cohabitation as an alternative to marriage or irrespective of marriage
Summary
It is important that diverse family structures are accepted and treated without discrimination or prejudices. South Korea as a society has been deeply influenced by the values of Confucianism which was originated in China [2]. Influenced by Confucianism, South Korean society values traditional family structure, composed of a married husband and wife and their children, as a default. Any family structure that is deviant from the norm is viewed with stereotypes and is discriminated against [4,5]. South Korean society has in the past viewed nonmarital cohabitants with negativity. Since the late 1990s, there have been noticeable changes in South Korean family structures. Changes in traditional values related to marriage and childbirth have been taking place in South Korea in recent decades. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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