Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between Korean family-clan living patterns and subjective well-being, based on a nationwide survey of 1000 samples. Results showed that recent Korean families were mostly composed of two generations(parents and children) and that males' parents were more frequently visited than females' parents. Males were more satisfied with their family lives than females, and family life was more highly correlated with general life satisfaction than clan life. Younger generations showed a negative correlation between optimism and the number of family members living together, but older generations showed a positive correlation between family or life satisfaction and the number of family members living together. People in small villages tended to meet their parents and siblings more frequently than those in large cities, and showed higher life satisfaction. Great national holidays were more respected by people living in small regions than by those living in large cities, and marriage ceremonies were relatively more valued by people in large cities. Highly educated individuals were more likely to be satisfied with their family lives but less with their clan lives, which implies that educated people tended to rely heavily on close family members rather than on remote relatives for their happiness. Those who live together with their spouses after marriage showed the highest satisfaction with their family and relatives and their general lives, and those who have not gotten married showed the medium levels of satisfaction. Those who have exerienced temporary or relatively permanent separation showed the lowest satisfaction and optimism. Generally, males expressed higher satisfaction with their relatives than females, and house-wives without jobs were more satisfied with their relatives than employed women.