Women's Participation in Elective Politics in South Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the limits of women's representation in elective politics in order to provide strategies for activating women's participation in elective politics in South Korea. It appears that the percentage of elected female legislators in both the local and national assemblies is still very low compared with Western countries despite the percentage of female legislators has increased due to introduction of female quota system. In South Korea, Neo-Confucian culture, marriage and family, and problems lying inside of women are restricting women's public life in many ways. Following strategies are proposed in this study to increase elected women's representation in the legislature. First, along with regression of Neo-Confucian culture in modern Korea, gender-equality culture need be firmly established. Second, it is necessary to improve female welfare system in order to increase women's participation in elective politics. Third, women must make great efforts at the community level to participate in elective politics through the women's movement and link with related civic organizations. Forth, the female quota system in the electoral districts must be introduced as the mandatory clause. Fifth, it is necessary to change the small constituency system to the medium constituency system in order to increase elected female legislators from electoral districts. In conclusion, it is important that women have to identify themselves not simply as members of society but as part of the power structure.