• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.14 no.1_spc
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• pp.223-253
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• 2008

This article examines the cost of pressure to achieve in Korea, which is the theme of the special issue focusing on the psychological dynamics and factors influencing delinquent behavior among Korea adolescents. This article reviews empirical studies of delinquent behavior among Korean adolescent and articulate policy and programs necessary to prevent the rising trend. First, in order to prevent delinquent behavior and enhance their self-efficacy, programs need to be developed to allow them to succeed in non-academic areas. Second, adolescents who engage in delinquent behavior are likely to experience problems in interpersonal, such as parental rejection, social exclusion from friends and hostility from teachers. Third, adolescents delinquent behaviors are influenced by negative parental socialization practices, delinquent behavior of their peers, moral disengagement and their previous participation in delinquent behavior. Fourth, the importance of indigenous psychological approach to increase the quality of life for adolescents who engage in delinquent behavior is outlined.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.10 no.spc
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• pp.177-209
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• 2004

This paper provides a theoretical and conceptual framework for understanding adolescent culture and educational achievement in Korea. In the first part of the paper, the authors outline a research paradigm in cultural psychology and adolescent culture. In the second section, the traditional family structure, the role of parents, and how they have been changed by modernization are outlined. In the third section, socialization practices and parent-child relationship are reviewed. In the fourth section, Western theories that have been developed to explain educational achievement and their limitations are examined. In the fifth section, factors that contribute to educational success of Korean students are presented. In the final section, the impact of centralized, standardized, and rigid educational system that is imposed on adolescents is discussed. The highly regulated and centralized bureaucracy restricts educational and career opportunities for adolescents and it is responsible for the high rate of violence, delinquency, and bullying in Korea. The need for encouraging civil society that allows for diversity of ideas and skills and at the same time maintaining strong relational bonds are discussed.