[A study on the local marriage network in Korea]

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Cultural Studies

Context:

• Traditionally, place of residence was a significant factor in Korean mate selection.
• This study analyzes the local marriage network in Korea using data from a 1986 national survey.
• The research examines variations in marriage patterns by year and characteristics of married women.

Purpose:

• To investigate the trends and characteristics of local marriage rates in South Korea.
• To understand how factors like industrialization, urbanization, and education influence mate selection.
• To analyze the changing dynamics of marriage networks within Korean society.

Summary:

• Local marriage rates remain high in specific regions (Kyongsangdo, Chonla-do) but are declining in rural areas due to industrialization and urbanization.
• Romantic marriages show a higher rate of local selection (72.3%) compared to arranged marriages (55.1%).
• Higher educational attainment and pre-marital employment correlate with increased local marriage rates, indicating a narrowing marriage network.

Impact:

• The study highlights diminishing restrictions on inter-status marriages, influenced by democratic ideals.
• Modernization factors like industrialization, urbanization, and migration are significantly narrowing marriage networks.
• Increased educational attainment among women is a key driver in the changing landscape of Korean mate selection.