A majority of South Korean workers believe that gender discrimination exists in promotions and job assignments. (Image courtesy of Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, March 3 (Korea Bizwire) — A majority of South Korean workers believe that gender discrimination exists in promotions and job assignments, according to a recent survey conducted by a civic group advocating for labor rights.
The organization, Workplace Gabjil 119, commissioned polling firm Global Research to survey 1,000 employed adults aged 19 and older between February 10 and 17. The results, released on March 2, showed that 61.1% of respondents said they perceived differences in opportunities between men and women in career advancement and workplace assignments.
The perception of gender disparity was more pronounced among women, with 76.5% saying they believed such differences existed, compared with 48.6% of men.
When asked about the causes of workplace gender disparities, 57.1% of respondents cited “male-centered workplace culture and practices.” Other factors included career interruptions due to pregnancy and childbirth (38%), the so-called “glass ceiling” limiting women’s career advancement (18.5%), and a lack of trust in female employees from management (18.2%).
Kang Eun-hee, an attorney and head of Workplace Gabjil 119’s Gender Discrimination Task Force, noted that although South Korea’s Equal Employment Opportunity Act prohibits gender-based discrimination and bias related to parental leave, workplace inequalities persist. She called for stronger government action to address the issue.
The survey was conducted online using a structured questionnaire and has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
