Korean immigrant women's lived experiences in Halifax : challenging gender relations in family, workplace, and community

Abstract

The aim of this research is to reveal Korean immigrant women's lived experiences in Halifax. It specifically looks at the changes of gender relations after immigration. This research uses anti-racist perspectives to understand the interconnection of race, gender, and class from the perspective of Korean immigrant women. Korean immigrant families experience economic decline and Korean immigrant women's paid work becomes necessary after immigration. In this context, Korean immigrant women's bargaining power in the process of renegotiation of gender relations increases as they generate income. However, Korean immigrant women's lived experiences demonstrate that discrimination against Korean immigrant women due to racism in the Canadian social structure, and ongoing patriarchal practices and ideology in and outside the family limit Korean immigrant women's challenges regarding gender inequality. Despite this, Korean immigrant women are not victims of patriarchy and racist society, but active social members who continue to challenge the status quo.