Influence Of Confucianism On Korean Traditions - 1369 Words

Socio-philosophical structures have strong effect on traditions: Case of influence of Confucianism on Korean traditions As history goes by the world structure, politics, and economy changes from decade to decade, however traditions, customs and culture of different countries remain almost untouched. Culture therefore is a highly important aspect to the society and individuals (Oatey, 2012). Culture of any society includes traditions, customs, rituals and events flourished by certain society. As a part of culture traditions in originated in ancient times and determined by public and private life of individuals. They implied teachings, moral and aesthetic norms, rules and skills of house dwelling and raising children methods. The stability†¦show more content†¦First of all it is necessary to figure out what Confucian philosophy is all about. Confucianism is philosophy that dates back to the VI century BC and carries an ethical and political character (McDevitt, 2007). It impli es the ideas related to the issues of morality, family and ways of effective governance. Confucian is widespread in China and countries that had a cultural exchange with China. So, along with the monuments of written Chinese came to Korea and Confucianism. According to Confucian teachings, one of the main components of society is the family, where individual learns the language, culture and religion (Yao, 2000). For centuries, men had greater power than women had. This patriarchal family regime remains same in many countries nowadays as well as in Korea (Sleziak, 2013). In ancient Korea, main unit of society was the â€Å"clan† that consisted of couple of families having same parents and grandparents through male line. The preference thus was given to men. Families followed Confucian orders that youngsters should unconditionally obey to the elders. More than that, Confucian scholars argued that a person could learn important thing from family only. Only in the family person c ould gain such important qualities as love of the country and a sense of justice necessary for service to the state (Yao, 2000). However, this obey lessons did not relate to families only- they