혼인의미의 시대적 변화

Changes in the Meaning of Marriage in Korea-The 1960s through the Early 2000s

This study examines changes in the meaning of marriage in Korea from the 1960s through the beginning of the 2000s, with a brief review of the tribal alliance to the Chosun Dynasty. The study focuses on three aspects of marriage: the necessity of marrying, the main purpose or reason for marriage, and the value of marriage. Sixteen articles were analyzed. The articles were based on surveys conducted between the 1960s and the early 2000s. Results are as follows: 1. The idea that marriage is not a necessity grew through the 1980s, and has become more popular in the 1990s and the early 2000s. 2. The main purpose of marriage has changed from psychological and emotional stability in the 1970s, to love in the 1980s, to a better life and individual development in the early 2000s. Sexual needs fulfillment, childbearing, and family succession as reasons for marrying have decreased Marrying to have a better life has increased. 3. With regard to the value of marriage, emotional stability through love and the establishment of a new family were emphasized in the 1970s. This changed to love and happiness in the 1990s, and personal development, growth, and self-realization in the early 2000s. Results of this study suggest that Koreans increasingly value personal growth and self-realization in their marital lives