Evolving Military Service and Social Inclusion in South Korea

Abstract

This paper explores changing patterns of inclusion and exclusion in South Korea, using military service as a tool of measurement. Two central assertions guide this study. First, military service as a gatekeeper to Korean society. Second, an investigation of conscription policies offers insights into broader patterns of societal inclusion. The research explores the reciprocal relationship between cultural values, formal institutions, and societal shifts. Analyzing historical context, legal reforms, and social attitudes, the study argues that the changes in military service reflect broader shifts in society. The decoupling of military service from economic benefits signifies a weakening of patriarchal norms, enabling increased female workforce participation. Acceptance of mixed-race individuals and conscientious objectors reflects a growing societal openness. However, military service remains a symbol of social acceptance, highlighting its enduring cultural significance. As South Korea embraces multiculturalism and ideological diversity, military service serves as a dynamic barometer, capturing the nation's evolving identity, and enduring values.