Science-Related Attitudes of Korean Housewives

The purpose of this research is to suggest the way to promote housewives' understanding of science and technology, based on the survey results of the attitude toward science and technology, the scientific attitude, and the interest in science and technology of housewives in Korea. The questionnaire was developed by researchers and administered to housewives who live in Seoul to get basic information. Housewives showed slightly positive attitudes toward science and technology, and similarly positive scientific attitudes. These scores were increased as monthly income and education level were raised. Housewives' interest of the science-technology related topics (foods, health, education, leisure, social issues, cooking, housing, everyday activity) was relatively high, and the interest of foods, health, education, and leisure was significantly correlated with the scores of housewives' attitude towards science and technology and their scientific attitudes. Housewives are shown to be curious to know these topics when they were asked by their children or do not know the terms appeared in media, or purchase home appliances and food. And they get the answers in a passive way by asking their family members or by watching TV or newspapers. They preferred TV program for enhancing their understanding of science. But such program could be proper to present science knowledge but not fulfill the role to promote scientific literacy. Specially designed programs through science centers or science museums would be suggested for their lifelong education.