Traces of Compressed Modernity in the Representation of Multicultural Family: A case study of Wandeukki by Kim Ryeoryeong

Abstract

This research discovers the coexistence of disparate elements, namely Neo-liberalism and Neo Confucianism, caused by Compressed Modernity in the representation of multicultural family in Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s Wandeukki. To decode the representation of a family comprising of native Korean father, marriage mother, and their mixed-heritage son, characterization is employed to the study for analyzing how they are represented. The result demonstrates that multicultural family is represented as “new Korean family,” a crucial micro foundation of society that each family member embraces familial role assigned by Neo-Confucianism as breadwinner father, virtuous mother, and filial son. Despite being centered around Neo-Confucianism, the study shows that driving forces of compressed modernity rebrand the moral duties to align with neoliberal expectations due to the driving force of Compressed Modernity. The breadwinner father must maximize his physical labor to generate the economic output necessary to maintain his position as a household leader who secures his family's well-being. The virtuous mother's role is transformed into that of an affective care worker, thereby reducing the neoliberal state's obligation to provide social welfare to its population. Meanwhile, the filial son maintains his status on the condition that he continuously engages in self-improvement and self-discipline to cultivate specialized skills.