21세기 한국의 팽창된 모성: 자식 장래를 위한 변주

Abstract

This thesis is a study of Korean women's experiences of motherhood. The prevailing myth that a woman's life is worthless without motherhood is gradually being dismantled. Concurrently, there is a proliferation of harmful maternal behaviors characterized by neglect and disrespect towards their children and others. A historical overview of Korea shows the evolution of the ideal of motherhood. In the Joseon Dynasty, mothers who raised sons who achieved great success were considered exemplary. Following the liberation on August 15 and the Korean War, mothers who resiliently filled the void of absent or incapable fathers, protecting and nurturing their children, were idealized. Mothers were traditionally expected to support and sacrifice for their children's future. With the implementation of birth control policies and the subsequent decrease in the number of children, mothers began to invest more intensively in both sons and daughters. In the 21st century, influenced by consumerism and social media, there is an increasing trend of mothers spending and showing off for the sake of their children. Maternal practices for preserving a child's life, growth, and ability to adapt to society are beneficial but sometimes harmful. Some mothers may appear violent, narcissistic, sacrificial, and even callous toward their children. The depiction of motherhood in the Gospel of Matthew, featuring three mothers, is not unlike the current state of motherhood in Korea. The researcher considers the Korean expressions 'for the sake of the child' and 'because of the child' as important clues in understanding the quality of the mother-child relationship. This was analyzed through sentence completion exercises conducted with Christian mothers. In addition, the study examined the content of prayers Christian mothers offer for their children. A mother who believes her child's future achievements are her own may be described as having an 'Inflated motherhood,' characterized by an excessive investment of her desires and expectations. Inflated motherhood can harm the child, damage relationships, and disrupt communities. This Inflated motherhood calls for thoughtful reflection and pastoral-theological tuning. Realistically, mothers must reduce their focus on 'giving to their child' and increase 'self-care.' Motherhood should be re-envisioned not as a role but as an aesthetic relationship shared with the child. For mothers and children to become truly free, a continual reimagination of new forms of motherhood is necessary.