The Cause and Impact of Gender Inequality in South Korea Workplaces

Abstract

As a country with a rapidly developing economy, South Korea has made remarkable achievements in many fields, but there are still many challenges when it comes to gender equality in the workplace. Gender inequality not only violates the principles of equity and justice, but also seriously hinders the overall development of society and economy. This study uses a qualitative study method to focus on gender inequality in the Korean workplace.This study finds that gender roles and stereotypes in traditional culture, the workplace culture that values seniority and hierarchy, and the limited enforcement and coverage of the legal system are one of the main factors contributing to gender inequality in South Korea. The effects of gender inequality in the Korean workplace are also multifaceted. First, it limits women’s career development and economic independence, preventing them from enjoying equal treatment with men in terms of employment, promotion and pay. Second, gender inequality also exacerbates conflicts and tensions within the family, resulting in greater pressure on them to balance work and family.