• Korea journal of population studies
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.83-111
• /
• 2002

This study examines the structure of intergenerational relationship and its effects on old-age security of the Korean society. Of interest is the effects of the middle aged's attitudes on old parents'security on their intergenerational exchange relationship and on their own old-age security as well. This study also attempts to test the applicability of the social exchange perspective to the study of intergenerational support relationship in Korea The social exchange perspective considers intergenerational relationship as an exchange of aids and rewards between generations. However due to strong norm of filial duty and inadequate welfare system, supporting old parents is regarded as younger generation's duty in Korea This study utilizes a survey data conducted by Kim et al.(2000). Major findings can be summarized as follows. First, the middle aged who gives one-sided supports to their parents tends to have the traditional attitude on old parents' security. It implies that intergenerational support relationship in Korea is not consistent with the explanations from the social exchange perspective. This study suggests a 'chained reward system'as an altermative explaining the intergenerational relationship. Second, an absolute majority of the middle aged tend to think that they are responsible for their own old-age security regardless of the pattern of intergenerational support relationship and attitudes on old parents' security. It implies that the middle aged in Korea holds the status of 'marginal men' who supports their parents but can't take the similar supports from their children.