Confucianism in South Korea: Modern Aspects of an Ancient Tradition
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2013
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Bi-College (Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges). Department of East Asian Studies
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Thesis
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eng
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Open Access
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Abstract
This thesis examines to what extent Confucianism is still apparent in modern Korea by comparing the 12th century work Family Rituals with the modern Korean drama A Gentleman’s Dignity. Korea has been modernizing rapidly in the past several decades and many scholars are of the opinion that traditional Confucianism and Western modernization are not compatible. Modern life surely presents many Koreans with apparent conflicts between traditional values and modern ones (especially as represented in free-‐market capitalism with its emphasis on the individual). In this thesis, however, it is argued that, although other factors may at times outweigh the need to act in an ethical fashion, Confucianism is still a major factor shaping modern life in Korea. Aspects of Geert Hofstede’s theories concerning power distance, individualism, and masculinity are used to support the arguments made. The human tendency to be swayed by money and romantic love is discussed in detail as it pertains to scenes from A Gentleman’s Dignity.