Homosexuals and the Contemporary Gay Rights Movement in Korea: Movement participation and collective identity

Abstract

This study examines how elements of collective identification are reflected in Korean male homosexuals and how it impacts on their engagement with the gay rights movement. Quantitative research was conducted regarding the elements of collective identification of Korean male homosexuals and the outcome of participating in collective action for gay rights.

The first part (chapter 1, 2, 3) of this study is the basis for the development of this collective identification research. A set of research questions are introduced along with an examination of two dominant literatures on the subject: collective identity theories and social movement theories. These have been pursued to generate a theoretical framework for collective identification in terms of the gay rights movement. Further, the situation of homosexuals and gay rights in contemporary Korea is analyzed.

The second part (chapter 4, 5, 6, 7) discusses the methodology, conduct of the quantitative research and the findings. A correlation is discovered between elements of collective identification and their relation to an outcome (collective action participation). Elements of collective identification analyzed in this research are self-categorization, private regard, social embeddedness, interdependence and ideology (belief in gay visibility, belief in collective action and recognition on social oppression).

Finally, the research confirms the unique motivating influence of a number of collective identity elements. Some of recommendations are made for promoting the gay rights movement in Korea. The research could potentially help Korean gay rights activists who are facing the difficulty of encouraging individual homosexuals to participate in collective action for gay rights.