I disagree with the traditional view that women should not work after marriage and childbirth. In my opinion, the responsibility for raising children should be shared by a husband and wife in such a way that both can have a meaningful career. I reject the idea that men are not capable of taking care of children, or that a wife's duty is to support her husband in his career by staying at home. Marriage should be a partnership that allows both husband and wife to grow and realize their potential.
        Moreover, as the Korean economy worsens, husbands may find it necessary for their wives to work outside the home so the family can afford to live. In fact, many Koreans may find that they have no other choice. In other countries, the problem of working couples has been partly solved by daycare centers and cooperation between husbands and wives. As Korea moves into the next century, I believe that more Koreans will follow this example.
        Of course, everyone will not agree with my opinion. Culturally and historically, the traditional role of women in Korean society has been as mother and homemaker. From early childhood, girls were (and to some extent still are today) conditioned and educated to accept a position of inferiority to men. Our society has been traditionally male-dominated, and even today, some men think male-female relationships should remain as they were in the past. I believe this attitude is selfish and demands too much of women. Such men are not looking for a life partner. Instead of a life partner they are looking for a woman who will be submissive and who will sacrifice her hopes and dreams for them.
        It is naive to imagine that attitudes will change overnight, but many women these days are insisting on more independence, respect and opportunity. Eventually, so many women will probably push for change that men will have to adapt to changing conditions at home and in the workplace. The dependence of women on men in the past was perhaps because they did not have many opportunities to make money.
        Children need attention and love, but the father of the child should share the responsibility for giving the child that attention and love. Moreover, with husband and wife both working, household chores (cooking, cleaning, etc.) should also be shared. Working together, both husband and wife can be good parents and fulfill their potentials. If men could just change their attitude about women's status in society, women could work and have a family without problems. If men cannot change their attitudes, they may end up being very lonely because independent women will not accept an inferior and submissive role in a relationship.