Domestic Violence in the Korean Immigrant Family

Authors

Siyon Rhee, California State University, Los Angeles

Abstract

This article was supported in part by the University Research Grant from California State University, Los Angeles.

This study examines the prevalence of wife abuse among Korean immigrant families in the United States and factors contributing to domestic violence in this population. One of the most serious problems facing the Korean community is spouse abuse. Immigrant Korean families are reported to experience the highest rate of domestic violence among diverse Asian American groups in Los Angeles. Research findings indicate that wife abuse is much more prevalent among the immigrant Korean population in comparison to other ethnic groups. Correlates and factors contributing to the high occurrence of domestic violence include: (1) a cultural variable of higher than usual levels of male domination in Korean immigrant families; (2) environmental factors such as immigration stress and frustrations stemming from adjustment difficulties for Korean men; and (3) heavy drinking among Korean men and permissive attitudes toward male drinking in Korean culture.

Recommended Citation

Rhee, Siyon (1997) "Domestic Violence in the Korean Immigrant Family," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 24: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2397
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol24/iss1/5