How Glass Ceilings and Iron Rice Bowls Create “Glass Bowls”: Gendered Barriers and Protections in Public Sector Employment in South Korea

Abstract

Integrating the concept of “glass ceiling” barriers with “iron rice bowl” job security, this study develops the framework of “glass bowls” to theorize tradeoffs between workplace advancement and protections, focusing on public sector employment in South Korea. While the glass ceiling refers to invisible, impenetrable barriers, especially but not exclusively regarding gender, the glass bowl concept also emphasizes the fragility of glass to highlight women’s tenuous gains in long-term employment and leadership positions. Further, it expands the “bowl” context beyond post-socialist transitions to market economies, particularly in China, to address hyper-capitalist countries such as South Korea, where public sector protections play a significant role in mitigating gender discrimination. Comparing South Korean women (N = 86) in public and private sector employment, this study shows how women are attracted to the public sector due to protections in hiring and long-term employment, but face ongoing barriers regarding promotions, pay, and leadership roles, especially if they are mothers. Thus, even if the public sector provides a supportive “bowl” for a select few, the persistence of “glass” barriers, both within this sector and throughout society, requires stronger government and workplace policies alongside cultural changes in order to create real security and advancement for women across workplace sectors.