Economic Crises, Women and Housing Careers in Korea

The recent two important economic crises in Korea have transformed the state ranging from its political economy to socio-demographic dimensions. In midst of societal shifts, women and their socio-economic spheres have been notably changed, and accordingly housing careers are distinctive. This study is to focus on the changing nature of Korean women’s socio-demographic profile over the economic crises and to examine their changing housing careers. The findings can be summarized as follows 1) the number of women who are old, single, female-headed or highly educated has strikingly increased: 2) high educational attainment of women fosters economic participation, delays marriage and motherhood, and lowers child births: 3) women’s college enrolment rate grows while the increase rate of women’s participation in labour market remains marginal: 4) aging and poverty are feminized; and 5) gender inequality in pay and employment are prevalent. With the socio-demographic change, the socio-economic position in housing market is vulnerable and housing careers become diverse. These results suggest that socio-economic opportunities of women be expanded and more women-friendly housing policies be taken to enable them to have an equal access to housing resources and to attain a fair opportunity for housing wealth accumulation.