Acculturation and Consumption Behavior of Korean Immigrants

This study attempts to address the extent to which ethnic culture accounts for continuities and changes in action in the post-immigration environment, focusing specifically on the consumption behavior of Korean immigrants. This study examines antecedents of Korean immigrants' images toward Japan and their changes in the host society through the process of acculturation, and the impact this tendency has on their Japanese products buying behavior. The hypotheses were empirically tested by using data collected from a survey of 330 Korean immigrants in the U.S. in 1998. The results indicate that: (1) in spite of cultural and structural changes in the post-immigration environment by processes of acculturation to American culture, Korean Americans keep their images toward Japan alive; (2) Korean immigrants' Japanese car buying behavior is negatively related to their stay 20 or more years in the U.S. and positively related to their images toward Japan. The sociological implications of consumption practices and the relationship between ethnic culture and consumption behavior are discussed

Sociodemographic Change and Continuity in Korean Society Since 1945

This volume is a collection of papers presented at an international academic conference, Korea in the Global Community: Past, Present, and Future, which was held at the Tower Hotel of Seoul, Korea on November 2-3, 1995

Presidential elections, internet politics, and citizens’ organizations in South Korea

South Korea has undergone a rapid process of democratization over the past decade. Two factors stand out as forces that have significantly influenced the democratic transition: the growth of citizens' organizations and the Internet news services that have provided the forum for citizens' participation in formulating public opinion. The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of Internet politics and citizens' organizations on the nomination and campaign processes of the 2002 presidential election in South Korea. The two major presidential candidates, Roh Moo Hyun of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) and Lee Hoi Chang of the Grand National Party (GNP), had diametrically opposing characteristics, not only in ideological and political stances, but also in personal and family backgrounds. An important aspect of the 2002 South Korean presidential election was that major parties selected their nominees through presidential primaries, the first time ever in the history of South Korean presidential elections. A citizens' political fan club (Nosamo) played a critical role in the MDP primaries as well as in Roh Moo Hyun's winning campaign in the presidential election, by mobilizing young voters as a formidable voting bloc. In addition, the Oh my News, an on-line news service organization, empowered voters to effectively respond to changing conditions in the presidential race and organized a series of anti- American candlelight demonstrations that helped to solidify the progressive segment of voters in supporting Roh Moo Hyun. Citizens' organizations and Internet politics would continue to make significant contributions to the consolidation of democracy in South Korea

The Role of NGOs in Political Elections in South Korea: The Case of the Citizens\u27 Alliance for the 2000 General Election

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the role of civic organizations in political processes in South Korea. More specifically, this article examines the impact of the blacklisting of candidates by the Citizens’ Alliance for the 2000 General Election (CAGE) on the outcomes of the National Assembly election of April 13, 2000. I discuss the relationship between the characteristics of political systems and political culture and the emergence of civic organizations. I analyze the effects of CAGE’s blacklisting of politicians on the nomination processes of candidates by major political parties. I also discuss the long-term effects of CAGE on the political system

Religion and Adaptation of Immigrants: The Case of Revival Meetings in Korean-American Churches

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate various aspects of revival meetings in Korean American churches. More specifically, this study examines the rituals, functions, and symbolism involved in the revival meetings. The data analyzed in this study were obtained from a series of participant observations. Revival meetings are organized by Korean American churches for the spiritual renewal and awakening of their members as well as for the promotion and maintenance of traditional Korean Protestantism. Findings suggest a dynamic feed back effect between the roles of Korean American churches, the social needs of Korean immigrants and their expectations from the church. The implications of the exclusive intra-ethnic group activities of immigrant churches, such as revival meetings, are discussed in the context of the adaptation of immigrant groups to American community life

Marriages of the Business Elite Families in Korea: Homogamy or Marriage of Convenience?

This volume is a product of an international conference, \u27Toward a unified Korea: social, cultural, economic, political, and scientific and technological implications\u27, organized by the Korean American University Professors Association (KAUPA) at the East-West Center of Honolulu, Hawaii, November 27-December 1, 1990. This conference [is] the fourth annual conference of KAUPA... --Pref