Leiden University Student Repository

Fonteyn, Lotte (2024)

Single Parenthood in South Korea: A comparative study of single motherhood and single fatherhood

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)

Single parenthood is stigmatised in South Korea due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs. This thesis presents a comparative discourse analysis of societal perceptions and attitudes towards single parenthood, emphasising differences in treatment based on gender and their impact on the lived experiences of single mothers and single fathers in South Korea. Using Korean dramas as primary sources to explore these themes, the study contrasts their portrayals with existing literature on single parenthood. Through a detailed analysis of these narratives, the research reveals how cultural narratives shape and reflect societal attitudes towards single parents. The findings highlight significant disparities in the representation and societal treatment of single mothers and fathers, shedding light on broader issues of gender bias and inequality. While both single motherhood as single fatherhood are stigmatised, each faces unique gender-specific challenges. Furthermore, the study revealed that...Show moreSingle parenthood is stigmatised in South Korea due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs. This thesis presents a comparative discourse analysis of societal perceptions and attitudes towards single parenthood, emphasising differences in treatment based on gender and their impact on the lived experiences of single mothers and single fathers in South Korea. Using Korean dramas as primary sources to explore these themes, the study contrasts their portrayals with existing literature on single parenthood. Through a detailed analysis of these narratives, the research reveals how cultural narratives shape and reflect societal attitudes towards single parents. The findings highlight significant disparities in the representation and societal treatment of single mothers and fathers, shedding light on broader issues of gender bias and inequality. While both single motherhood as single fatherhood are stigmatised, each faces unique gender-specific challenges. Furthermore, the study revealed that single fatherhood is not only less researched but also less documented in Korean media compared to single motherhood.Show less

Single parenthood

social stigma

comparative discourse analysis

Korean dramas

gender differences

Author

Fonteyn, Lotte

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Tilland, B.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en