Gender Differences in Meanings of Work Among Korean Older Immigrants

Background and Purpose: Work in later life has become more significant for older adults as many of them opt to remain in the labor force beyond retirement age. Part of the reason is the increased financial pressure created by the policy changes such as increased minimum age to receive full Social Security benefits, dramatic reduction in the provision of defined-benefit employer pension programs, and limited availability of employer-sponsored retiree health insurance. However, there can be various other reasons for work such as social and psychological fulfillment. This study aims to explore the meanings of work among Korean older immigrants and the gender difference in their perception of work. Despite high needs of employment, Korean older immigrants encounter considerable amount of employment barriers. By exploring why they want to work, what work means for them, and how the meaning of work differ by gender, this paper helps to provide better understanding on different needs for work among Korean older immigrants and thus to enhance their employabilities.

Methods: A qualitative approach was employed using data obtained from six focus groups and five individual interviews. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling to select information-rich cases, and they included 36 Korean older immigrants living in Los Angeles, aged 50 years and older, and either unemployed or employed in part-time or full-time work. Slightly more than half of the participants were male (male 53%; female 47%) with the mean age of 57 years. All except one were educated in Korea, and they immigrated to the US when they were approximately 40 years old. The study used a grounded theory analytical approach and constant comparison method to code and to analyze the data.

Results: Results of the study showed that work had a very significant role in Korean older immigrants’ lives. While both male and female Korean older immigrants worked for financial, social and psychological fulfillment, there were gender differences in how they perceived the role of their work in their lives. Most female participants perceived work more as ways of socialization, self-actualization and meaningful utilization of time, whereas most male participants had a strong tendency to link their work with their identity. In addition, they perceived work as ways to make living for their family and to fulfill their role as household heads. These results tend to reflect patriarchal values of Korean culture.  

Conclusions and Implications: The findings of this study can be meaningful in that it broadens the understanding of the meanings of work for ethnic minority older immigrants as well as gender differences. Ethnic-specific information provided in this study may assist social work practitioners to be more culturally competent and to incorporate different ethnic features as well as gender differences when designing employment services.