To survive and strive in football industry as a woman: An auto-ethnography

Abstract

This paper explores how the intricate dynamics of Confucianist gender roles, ageism, and the prevailing South Korean (from now on Korea) workplace culture, deeply ingrained within Korean society, impact the status of women. It examines how these factors delineate women's roles, shape societal expectations, and perpetuate systemic inequalities that hinder their advancement and representation in various spheres of life. Employing a qualitative approach, which integrates the researcher’s personal experiences and reflections to illuminate cultural phenomena, this study seeks to provide a firsthand perspective on the experiences of women working in the football industry in Korea. Through the lens of personal experiences within the sports association, the findings underscore the sluggish progress of gender equality in Korea, particularly within workplace contexts, highlighting the urgent need for cultural transformation to dismantle entrenched biases, foster inclusive environments, and ensure equal opportunities for all genders in the pursuit of professional endeavors. This study suggests the importance of addressing cultural norms, promoting gender equality initiatives, and creating inclusive environments to facilitate the advancement and representation of women in the workplace and society at large.