WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT - THE CASE OF SOUTH-KOREA

In spite of South Korean women's significant contribution to export-led economic growth, they have not received a reward commensurate with their contribution. The article examines the major theoretical frameworks on women and development; women's role in South Korean economic, social, and political arenas; and factors that account for the backwardness of South Korean women. The South Korean case confirms the marginalization thesis of liberal feminist, dependency, and socialist feminist perspectives. In contrast with the liberal feminist thesis, it shows that women were thoroughly integrated into the development process, albeit at the lowest levels. The marginal status of South Korean women stems not only from patriarchy, but also from subordination within the capitalist system.