Ethnic Identity of Women of Korean Descent and Its Influencing Factors

This study is an attempt to investigate women of Korean descent’s ethnic pride as a component of ethnic identity. We explore women of Korean descent’s ethnic identity in general as well as the difference by country and investigate the factors that influence the ethnic identity of women of Korean descent, such as socio-economic status, language proficiency, and their interest in Korea and Korean culture. The findings of this study are as follows: first, women of Korean descent’s identity is not confined within the boundaries of their family, but in fact extends into the national realm. Secondly, their ethnic identity seems to be the result of a rational and strategic choice rather than the embodiment of cultured practices. The third implication is that the status of women of Korean descent’s ethnic identity is not gender-stereotypical and they seem to be able to rationally craft their ethnic identity for their own benefit.