A Comparison of the Korean Family Values between the North and the South
AUTHOR : 정순화,임정하
INFORMATION : page. 97~127 / 2014 Vol.21 No.4
ABSTRACT
This study examined the changes in family values in North Korea and identify differences in the family
values between North and South Korea. Secondary data including the North Korean Familial Law Act, a
series of『Choson-yeosung』, and 2013 report on the Korean values were used. Results showed that
changes in family values in North Korea were closely associated with the economic crisis. In North Korea,
the extended family structure was preferred. Getting married to an honorable soldier was highly
recommended. The revolutionary comradeship was prioritized over the intimacy between the married-couple.
Childbirth was important for producing a pillar for socialism and family support for elderly was also
emphasized. The main differences were as follows: 1) in terms of family life, the nation was prioritized in
the North whereas each individual was prioritized in the South, 2) there were more social restrictions on
dating, mate selection, and divorce in the North, 3) greater inequality exists between husband and wife in
the North, 4) goals of childrearing were different between the North and the South, 5) filial piety towards
elderly parent was more strongly accepted in the North. The strategies for understanding differences of
family values after unification were also discussed.