The Women's Movement in South Korea*

Abstract

Objectives. The objective of the study is to examine the underlying explanations for the relative success of the women's movement in Korea. Building on the resource mobilization model, the present research investigates how women's groups in Korea mobilize resources, increase membership and participation, and pursue alliances and coalitions to achieve their organizational goals.Methods. This research analyzes the data collected via a mail survey of women's groups during November 2000 and May 2001.Results. The study finds that disparate women's organizations (radical vs. reformist) have had distinct resources, strategies, support bases, tactics, and relations to others groups to mobilize more support and effect their goals.Conclusions. From an organizational standpoint, it is clear that democratization brought about an increase in the number of women's organizations that turned women's grievances into a capacity to act collectively.