Examining Indicators of Endogamous and Exogamous Practices Among Koreans in a Multicultural Society Open Access

Park, Yuna (2010)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/nv9353740?locale=en
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Abstract

This thesis examines two types of marriages Koreans in the United States follow: ethnic
endogamy and ethnic/racial exogamy. Specifically, it addresses the factors that influence
one's decision in choosing a marriage partner using surveys and semi-structured
interviews. Some of the topics that this thesis engages include: female participants'
tendencies to choose ethnic/racial exagomy, participants evaluating love and ethnic
endogamy as mutually exclusive categories in choosing a marriage partner, and the clash
between tradition (i.e. patriarchal family structure) and modern beliefs. In addition, the
findings are used to explain issues of self-expression and ethnic identity in a multicultural
society.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Initial Hypotheses
Defining Endogamy and Exogamy in Korean Cultural Context
The Usage of the Term "Korean"

Chapter 2: Background and Literature Review 7
History of Marriage in South Korea
Immigration History and Pattern
Types of Intermarriage
The Development of Intermarriage Studies Among Scholars
Limitations in Literature
Lack of Categorical Identities
Study Questions

Chapter 3: Research Design and Methods 19
Participants
Procedure
Measures

Chapter 4: Results from the Surveys 23
Demographics
Prioritizing Factors in Choosing Marriage Partners
Personal Activities and Lifestyle

Chapter 5: Results from the Interviews 35
Immigration History and Experiences
Availability of the Right Spouse
Role of Gender
Role of Family, Friends, and Community
Exposure to Korean Culture
Fears of Being an Outsider
Tradition vs. Love: A Form of Self-expression

Chapter 6: Discussion 53
American, Korean, or Both: Issues of Self-identity
International Marriage as an Umbrella Term
Love vs. Ethnic Endogamy: When Personal Choice Meets Tradition
Love and Financial Success: Can They Coexist?
Ethnic Endogamy as Culturally Arranged Marriage
Implications of Patriarchal and Patrilineal Families
Danilminjok as Culturally Constructed Notion
Comparison to Other Works: Similarities and Differences

Chapter 7: Conclusion 62
What Does Marriage Mean?
Drawbacks and Possible Improvements
Future Projects

Notes 68

Appendices 69
Appendix A: Demographic Analysis by Gender 69
Appendix B: Evaluation of Priorities in Choosing Marriage Partners by Gender 70
Appendix C: Survey Questions 71
Appendix D: Interview Questions 76

Bibliography 78

About this Honors Thesis

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