5.18 항쟁 역사에서 여성의 주체화

Abstract

The purpose of this study aimed to reinterpret in the Gwangju Uprising, a culmination of long-standing social contradictions and intensified political instability, from Feminist view by revealing women's hands-in participation in the turmoil. The study, particularly, focused on the exclusion of women in the areas of politics and public structures despite their contribution to the Gwangju Uprising. Women actively involved throughout the Uprising period, and their voluntary works continued even after the Gwangju Uprising. Women offered their service ranged from cooking, handling donations to promotion activities and rally organization. Given their service, it is necessary to credit women for their contribution to the Uprising and recognize that they played a central role in the historical event. However, women's roles were not included in any political and campaign organizations related to the Gwangju Uprising. While men's direct confrontation with the military power was underscored, women's supportive roles were not properly recognized. But women have remained silent about their contribution and voiced their concern for the men-centered governance. This study emphasizes the need for redefining women's roles in the Korean history by reinterpreting the Gwangju Uprising from Feminist view and identifying women's contribution to the Uprising. The Gwangju Uprising represents a good example as to how men's roles have been dominant in describing historical events such as anti-autocratic movements. Such men-centered interpretation needs to be reassessed and corrected.