Kim Jiyoung: Born 1982

 

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We are introduced to Kim Jiyoung as a young mother who spontaneously channels other women's thoughts. This would be an interesting premise, and one I wish was developed a bit more but most of the book is a life sketch of Jiyoung, with particular emphasis put on all the ways a typical South Korean girl has to struggle for equality with the boys. From school uniforms to getting and keeping jobs there are a hundred little ways that show the culture's preference for men and keep women from developing their full potential. The fact that this book is also popular in the U.S. shows that we, too, can relate all too well to some of these same differences/ prejudices. There are no good answers here--even acknowledgement of these discrepancies may not be enough to change the reality of women as mothers trying to fit into careers that are defined and regulated by men. It won't be until we rethink what makes an employee valuable and redefine what a workday/workweek looks like that women will be able to truly be fulfilled mothers and career women.

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Do laws and institutions change values, or do values drive laws and institutions?

she didn't want to hear people tell her how proud they were of her or how noble she was.  These comments made her feel guilty about being exhausted.