Abstract

Changes of values and generational gaps between 1970's and 1990's in Korea were analyzed based on the two periods' survey data. Direct comparisons were possible by including the same items in 1998 survey as in 1979. Remarkable characteristics of the values of Koreans at the end of 1990's were (l)the increase of individualism emphasizing self and close family (more prominent in younger, highly educated, and higher income groups), (2)the increase of egalitarian perspective toward women (permission of social activity, decrease of stick to chastity), (3)temporal retreat of postmaterialism toward materialism after the beginning of IMF, and (4)the increase of assertiveness and a slight decrease of uncertainty avoidance. Younger generation's values where noticeable increase of generational gaps were observed were the emphasis of rich life, the negligence of chastity and of upper-lower status distinction, and the increase of individualism and of assertiveness. Greater increases of generational gaps were found in. rapidly changed values, which could be attributed to a more rapid and greater change in younger than older generation. Temporal retreat toward materialism from postmaterialism after the beginning of IMF was also more rapid in younger than older generation. The degrees of increase and decrease in various dimensions of values and generational gaps were discussed in terms of the distinction between cohort effect and simple aging.