The Korean Women's Movement and the State

This insightful book examines how women’s movements can achieve legal and policy advancements while preserving their core feminist values, focusing on South Korea.

This book explores the strategies that women’s movements can adopt to influence law and policy changes at the national level, promoting women's equality while maintaining their feminist energy and core commitments. The Korean Women's Movement and the State emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements of women’s movements through political engagement, while also analyzing how feminist organizations interact with formal political structures. It sheds light on the dynamics of these interactions and the implications for the broader feminist agenda.

Focusing on the institutionalization of the Korean women’s movement during the progressive presidencies of Kim Dae Jung and Roh Moo Hyun, the book highlights three significant pieces of legislation that advanced women’s rights during this era. The author delves into the complexities of gender politics, exploring the strategic negotiations necessary between the women’s movement and other political entities to further their objectives. This examination raises critical questions about the potential risks of demobilization and deradicalization that can accompany institutionalization.

Additionally, The Korean Women's Movement and the State investigates the relationship between the women’s movement and the government during South Korea's most supportive administrations for women's rights. This period, characterized by vibrant civil society activism and participatory democracy, serves as a backdrop for understanding how feminist organizations can effectively navigate political landscapes while staying true to their foundational goals.