조선후기 노비와 상전의 이해 -‘충(忠)’과 ‘이(利)’ 그리고 호혜와 시혜

Abstract

This study examines the changes in the ways in which Sangjeon(the owner, Yangban) and Nobi(Slave or Servant) viewed each other in the late Joseon period in terms of economic reality and social background. In the economic relationship between Nobi and Sangjeon in Joseon society under the Gyeongguk-daejeon(Choson Dynasty Law Code) system, which lasted from the Imjin War(Japanese Invasion of Choson in 1592) to the first half of the 18th century, Sangjeon realised reciprocity for Nobi's minimal economic security. However, after the middle of the 18th century, Sangjeon's magnetisation of Nobi's assets through Kisang(Give one’s property to the owner) and the consolidation of a neo Confucianism dominated social order were realised. As a result, the relationship between the Nobi and the Sangjeon was precisely established as a master-servant relationship, and in economic terms, the Sangjeon's actions towards the Nobi were interpreted as a value of benevolence. From the 19th century onwards, there were realistic limits to the strong control of slaves by the Sangjeon in the context of the abolish of Gongnobi(Govenmant Slaves) policy. As the case of the leniency for out-of-town slaves illustrates, the Sangjoeon and the Nobi had the wisdom to recognise this reality. In conclusion, the economic interests of Nobi and Sangjeon were reciprocal, with each recognising the other's property, until the first half of the 18th century. However, after the middle of the 18th century, they shifted to give a benefits in accordance with Sangjeon-centred social practices. And with the dissolution of the Nobi system in the 19th century, Nobi and Sangjeon found the wisdom to compromise on their economic interests.