This article examines the impact of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis
on families in South Korea and the ways that the crisis brought competing ideologies
(conservative vs. progressive) to the foreground. Based on Þeldwork in
South Korea during the Þnancial crisis, we look at how individual families coped
with economic insecurity and at the public discourse about family and gender
generated by the crisis. The economic crisis caused widespread unemployment and
even broader economic uncertainty that created hardships for many families. It
also triggered a debate over gender roles and modernization as the country tried
to determine the best strategy to cope with its eects. Finally, we look into the
differential impact of the crisis on families in dierent social strata.
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