In Korea there exists a cultural mindset referred to by Koreans as Contucianism.
Confucianism is a set of beliefs held by most Koreans, regardless of religious persuasion or social strata. For example, Koreans place greater value on the birth of a boy versus the birth of a girl. These beliefs are pervasive throughout Korean thought and play a significant role in the way women´s health care is constructed and conceptualized. Today, however, women´s ideas about Confucianism are changing as a result of exposure to Western cultures.
This is especially evident in the women´s role in the family.
In Korea, women´s health is provided primarily by nurses. It is, therefore, an important issue for Korean nursing. Feminist theory has been used as a guide in many societies for the structuring and development of women´s issues including women´s health care. Korean nurses need to understand the role of feminist theory and Korean culture in women´s health care to be able to offer effectual nursing care to women.
The purpose of this study is to discuss the interplay between feminist theory, women´s health, and Korean modern culture or Confucianism. First, a description of different feminist theories is provided, including: early feminist theory, liberal feminist theory, social feminist theory, cultural feminist theory and radical feminist theory. Second, the histotical relationship between nursing and feminist theory is discussed. Third, the positive and negative effects of Korean culture on women´s health are considered and the relationship between culture, feminist theory and women´s health is examined. Fourth, alternative methods of providing women´s health care in a culturally sensitive manner from a feminist theory framework are suggested.
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