한국 근대사 속의 여성 리더십

Abstract

This research has three purposes to understand the women leadership in present Korean society and to suggest its future. Firstly, the research aims to explain the establishment of modern women’s leadership, which is the origin of current female leadership in Korea. Secondly, it examines how women’s leadership fulfilled its role and changed within modern Korean history. Finally, it clarifies distinct characteristics of modern women’s leadership from the contents discussed above. Modern Korean women’s leadership begins to appear during the process of overcoming the conflict of feudal system and to transform into a modern society. Modern women’s leadership - majority of women participates in public affairs as an active leader to change the society - starts when Yeo Kewon Tong Mun was promulgated on September 1st,1898. Moreover, women’s leadership formed during the process of dealing with Japan’s invasion. From 1905 to 1920, this time is generally known as formative period of modern women’s leadership. By 1920s, modern women’s leadership developed into various forms. This time is known as the growing period of leadership. Women’s leadership multifariously progressed based on the changes in ideas, domestic movement, the perception of women and the emergence of The New Women First, nationalist leaders established new organizations including Young Women’s Association , Women’s Association, Young Women Christian Association and demonstrated leadership during the enlightenment movement. They tried to conscientise women and improve society by establishing and managing night school and debate forum. The socialist leaders appeared after the foundation of Cho-seon Dongwo Hoe(조선여성동우회) in 1924 and since then, many new organizations were established. Also, some previously existing organizations transformed into socialist one. All these organizations focused on enlightenment of women and night school. The women’s leadership in Socialists gained distinguishable characteristics by following the leadership of nationalist, which centered on The New Women. Not only had they emphasized organization of their own gender, but also cooperation and friendship with other organizations. Lastly, the women’s leadership from Keon-woo Hoe(근우회) existed under the Japanese Rule. Keon-woo Hoe’s leadership has few prominent characteristics as well. First, they insisted on forming an integrated organization and achieved it. In those days, other activists wanted women even in Sin-gan Hoe(신간회) to join the united front. However, women’s leaders strongly argued why they needed their own organization and founded one. Women from both socialist and nationalist were able to merge into one within the organization. Secondly, Keon-woo Hoe’s flexibility in solving problems of nation, class and women was noticeable. Modern Korean Women’s leadership was formed and developed within the historical conditions of Modern Korean history. Prior to 1905, modern Korean Women’s leadership became prominent under the condition where people tried to eradicate feudalism and sought enlightenment. After 1905, when nationalism was in serious question, the leadership was demonstrated in the process of solving the problems of nation. After 1920, Socialism started to spread widely and leadership was displayed as it dealt with the problems of nation, class and gender.