Capitalism, patriarchy, and autonomy: Women factory workers in the Korean economic miracle.
Item
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Title
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Capitalism, patriarchy, and autonomy: Women factory workers in the Korean economic miracle.
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Identifier
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AAI9108129
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identifier
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9108129
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Creator
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Kim, Seung-Kyung.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Joan P. Mencher
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Date
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1990
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Anthropology, Cultural | Economics, Labor
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Abstract
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This dissertation, based on fieldwork in Masan, Korea (1986-88), considers the position of women factory workers within economic development and how the constraints of capitalism and patriarchy have affected their lives. The Korean government established the Masan Export Processing Zone in 1970 as part of an export-led industrialization program. As in the export processing industry throughout the world, Masan relied on a labor force composed mostly of young single females. In spite of Masan's economic development, workers in the Zone were exploited and excluded from power, and in 1987 the workers of Masan joined the labor uprising against the government and the corporations.;The companies in Masan enjoyed an inexpensive, hardworking and docile labor force until 1987, when these workers demonstrated and struck for higher pay and better working conditions. What caused the dramatic change in their attitudes toward the government and employers? Why did these young women workers decide to organize themselves and who are their leaders? Based on a comparative study of women factory workers in the different industries represented in the Zone, this study examines who these young women are and why their attitudes are changing. This study also looks at how women's individual struggles to improve their lives are related to their participation in collective actions.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
