Gender and Work: The Dual Role of Korean Pastors' Wives (Samonims) as Public, But Invisible Workers Open Access

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of Korean Pastors’ Wives—commonly known as samonims—through the lenses of emotional labor, invisible work, and gendered religious labor. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 15 samonims in Korean Protestant Churches in the United States and South Korea, the study explores how patriarchal church structures, Confucian-influenced hierarchies, and ambiguous role expectations shape their identities and daily responsibilities. Findings reveal that samonims occupy a paradoxical position, where they are highly visible in practice yet institutionally invisible. Participants described expectations of constant emotional availability, suppression of personal distress, unlimited responsibilities, and hierarchical subordination in church structures. These demands contributed to burnout, stress, isolation, and, in some cases, depression, while also constraining personal “callings” and reshaping identity over time. Simultaneously, participants expressed spiritual growth, relational fulfillment, and empowerment within the role, highlighting the complexity of their experiences. Many offered concrete recommendations for reform, including structured support networks, mentorship programs, and clearer role definitions. By documenting the voices of samonims, this study illuminates their burdens while challenging the normalization of their often unseen labor within Korean Protestant communities.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................9

1.1 Samonims Within Korean Protestant Churches .....................................................................9

1.2 History of Korean Protestantism ..........................................................................................11

1.3 Structure of Korean Protestant Churches .............................................................................13

2. Literature Review.......................................................................................................................16

2.1 Emotional Labor and Invisible Work ...................................................................................16

2.2 Samonims and Gendered Religious Labor ...........................................................................18

2.3 Structural Sources of Emotional Burden and Role Strain ....................................................20

2.5 Proposed Supports ................................................................................................................22

2.6 Gaps in Existing Literature ..................................................................................................23

3. Data and Methods ......................................................................................................................24

3.1 Research Design ...................................................................................................................24

3.2 Sample and Recruitment ......................................................................................................24

3.3 Data Collection .....................................................................................................................25

3.4 Interviewee Background ......................................................................................................26

3.5 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................27

4. Results ........................................................................................................................................29

4.1 Overview of Coding Patterns and Distributions ..................................................................29

4.2 Role Expectations .................................................................................................................32

4.2.1 Attending all Services ....................................................................................................32

4.2.2 Teaching and Care Work ...............................................................................................33

4.2.3 Food Preparation............................................................................................................33

4.2.4 Unlimited Responsibilities ............................................................................................35

4.3 Invisible Labor .....................................................................................................................35

4.3.1 Lack of Recognition ......................................................................................................35

4.3.2 Assistant Role ................................................................................................................36

4.4 Emotional Labor and Suppression .......................................................................................37

4.4.1 Emotional Availability ..................................................................................................37

4.4.2 Emotional Suppression ..................................................................................................37

4.5 Identity Constraint and Role Absorption .............................................................................39

4.5.1 Role Absorption .............................................................................................................39

4.5.2 Loss of Personal Calling ................................................................................................39

4.6 Mental and Emotional Health Consequences.......................................................................40

4.6.1 Burnout and Fatigue ......................................................................................................40

4.6.2 Depression .....................................................................................................................41

4.6.3 Isolation .........................................................................................................................41

4.6.4 Stress ..............................................................................................................................42

4.7 Gendered Church Structures ................................................................................................42

4.7.1 Patriarchal Division .......................................................................................................42

4.7.2 Silencing of Women ......................................................................................................44

4.8 Difference Between Years of Experience ............................................................................45

4.9 Empowerment and Meaning in the Samonim Role .............................................................46

4.10 Coping Methods and Calls for Change ..............................................................................47

5. Discussion ..................................................................................................................................48

5.1 Review of Analyses ..............................................................................................................48

5.2 Limitations ...........................................................................................................................52

5.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................54

6. Appendices .................................................................................................................................57

Appendix #1: Email to possible participants..............................................................................57

Appendix #2: Informed consent form ........................................................................................59

Appendix #3: Interview questions..............................................................................................63

Appendix #4: Full code frequency across all 15 interviews ......................................................65

7. References ..................................................................................................................................66

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Sociology
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Sociology, Social Structure and Development
Keyword	Work Pastors' wives Gender Samonims Emotional Labor
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Ju Hyun Park, Emory University
Committee Members	Dr. Ellen Gough, Emory University Dr. Tracy R. Scott, Emory University

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