The "given-up generation" of Japan and the Republic of Korea and paradigm shift of the gender order

This paper analyzes how “given up generation” of Japan and the Republic of Korea is involved in the transformation of the gender order paradigm. To answer this question, qualitative content analysis was performed with materials studied being texts by Japanese, South Korean and international scholars and data from national surveys and statistic bases. A concept of “given up generation” was chosen as an analytical tool for conducting cross-cultural research. The results showed that young people of Japan and the Republic of Korea constitute a cross-cultural generational phenomenon. The common experience shared by Japanese and South Korean youth appears to be the lack of access to traditional gendered strategies for success, thus young people are forced to redefine their concepts of masculinity and femininity. While this oftentimes draws heavy criticism from older generations, it should be emphasized that the transformation of the gender order paradigm advanced by the “given-up generation” may accelerate long-needed changes in society.