In Korea, gender preference has long influenced family traditions, leading many Koreans to favor sons over daughters. This belief comes from deep-rooted cultural values that have shaped family roles for generations. Even though times are changing, this preference for sons still exists in some families today. In this post, we’ll explore where this tradition comes from, how it has influenced society, and whether attitudes are shifting in modern Korea.
Being a Daughter in a Korean Family
Growing up in my family, I always felt the weight of being a daughter in a culture with a strong gender preference. When my brothers were born, my family celebrated, but when my sister and I were born, there was little excitement. I didn’t understand why, but even as a young girl, I knew it wasn’t fair. I often wondered why Koreans favored sons over daughters and saw boys as more special.
My parents believed sons were more valuable because they would carry on the family name and take care of them in old age. They praised my brothers and gave them more freedom. Meanwhile, my family expected my sister and me to help around the house and stay in the background. No matter how hard I tried, I could never feel as important as my brothers. Realizing that my family valued me less just because I was born a girl hurt deeply.
As I grew older, this feeling stayed with me. No matter what I did, I could never receive the same treatment. I wanted to prove my worth, to show that I was just as capable and that my gender did not define me. Even now, when I look back, I realize how much gender preference in Korea shaped me. It pushed me to question the tradition that Koreans favor sons and challenge expectations that never made sense.
The History of Gender Preference in Korea
For a long time, families in Korea have shaped traditions and expectations based on gender preference. In the past, Koreans favored sons over daughters, believing sons would continue the family name and care for their parents in old age. They expected daughters to marry and join their husband’s family, which made them seem less important in their own household. Families passed down this belief for generations, embedding it deeply in Korean society.
This preference for sons over daughters was even stronger when Korea was mainly an agricultural society. Families needed sons to help with farming and carry on their work. Sons were also given more opportunities, such as better education and inheritance rights. Daughters, on the other hand, were often expected to focus on household duties. Even as Korea became more modern, these traditional values remained, influencing how families treated their children.
Impact of Gender Preference in Korea
Gender preference in Korea has shaped family roles and limited opportunities for many women. For generations, families favored sons and gave them more privileges. Daughters, on the other hand, faced restrictions on education, careers, and independence. This unequal treatment made it difficult for women to choose their own paths and gain financial stability.
In traditional households, daughters were expected to marry early and focus on their husband’s family. Sons, however, had the freedom to build careers and inherit family wealth. This mindset reinforced the idea that women belonged at home. It left them with fewer chances for personal growth.
Even though society is changing, the effects of gender preference in Korea remain. Many women still face outdated expectations that limit their opportunities. Breaking free from traditional roles is not easy. The lasting impact of this preference for sons over daughters in Korea has shaped generations and still influences parts of Korean society today.
Changing Views
In the past, many Korean families strongly preferred sons over daughters, but this is slowly changing. More people now believe that daughters are just as important as sons. Laws have improved women’s rights, and education and job opportunities are more equal than before. Younger generations, especially in cities, are moving away from traditional gender roles and treating sons and daughters the same.
Even though things are improving, some families still hold on to old beliefs. In more traditional households, families still expect sons to take care of their parents, while they expect daughters to focus on marriage and family life. Older generations, who grew up with strong gender preferences, may still see sons as more valuable, even if society is changing around them.
While gender preference in Korea is not as strong as before, it is still deeply rooted in many families. Many women are now challenging old expectations and proving that they can succeed in careers, support their families, and live independently. The shift toward gender equality is happening, but it takes time to fully change traditions that have existed for centuries.
The Future of Gender Equality in Korea
Gender preference in Korea has shaped family traditions for generations, but times are changing. More people now see the value of both sons and daughters, and society is moving toward greater equality. While some old beliefs still exist, progress continues as younger generations challenge traditional expectations. Although Koreans favor sons in many traditional households, families are gradually aiming to value all children equally and provide them with the same opportunities to succeed.
If you found this topic interesting, you might also like my posts on why Korean women don’t change their last names after marriage and the role of women in Korea.
