11  Confucian Values

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11.1 Hierarchy and Respect

📖 Koreans place great importance on hierarchy and respect for authority figures, seniors, and those in positions of power.

11.1.1 item Age is highly respected.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe age represents knowledge, experience and wisdom.

11.1.2 item Respect must always be shown to those in authority figures, including teachers, bosses, government officials, and parents.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that authority figures deserve respect because of their position and the responsibility they hold.

11.1.3 item Hierarchy is important in all aspects of life including social interactions and business interactions.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that everyone has a place in the social order and should behave according to their rank.

11.1.4 item It is important to save face and avoid embarrassment for yourself and others.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that losing face is a serious offense that can damage relationships and reputations.

11.1.5 item It is important to show respect for elders and seniors.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that elders and seniors have earned respect because of their age and experience.

11.2 Collectivism

📖 Korean society emphasizes the importance of the collective over the individual, and individuals are expected to prioritize the needs of the group over their own.

11.2.1 item The needs of the group are more important than the needs of the individual.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is rooted in the Confucian value of collectivism, which emphasizes the importance of social harmony and cooperation. Koreans believe that by putting the needs of the group first, they can create a more stable and prosperous society.

11.2.2 item Individuals should sacrifice their own interests for the good of the group.

  • rationale:
    • This belief is based on the idea that the individual is part of a larger collective, and that the individual’s interests are less important than the interests of the group. Koreans believe that by sacrificing their own interests, they can contribute to the greater good.

11.2.3 item Harmony and cooperation are essential for a healthy society.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that a harmonious and cooperative society is essential for the well-being of its members. They strive to avoid conflict and disharmony, and they work together to create a society that is based on mutual respect and understanding.

11.2.4 item Respect for authority is important.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that authority figures, such as parents, teachers, and government officials, deserve respect. They believe that by respecting authority, they can create a more orderly and stable society.

11.2.5 item Education is important for success in life.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that education is essential for personal and professional success. They invest heavily in education, and they expect their children to excel in school. Koreans believe that education can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to society.

11.3 Education

📖 Education is highly valued in Korean culture, and individuals are expected to excel academically and pursue higher education.

11.3.1 item Education is the key to success in life.

  • rationale:
    • Korean culture places a high value on education, and individuals are expected to excel academically and pursue higher education. This belief is rooted in the Confucian values of hard work, perseverance, and respect for authority.

11.3.2 item Parents are responsible for their children’s education.

  • rationale:
    • In Korean culture, parents are seen as the primary educators of their children. They are expected to provide their children with the resources and support they need to succeed in school.

11.3.3 item Teachers are respected figures in society.

  • rationale:
    • Teachers are seen as role models and mentors in Korean culture. They are expected to be knowledgeable, patient, and supportive.

11.3.4 item Education should be rigorous and challenging.

  • rationale:
    • Korean students are expected to work hard and challenge themselves academically. They are often pushed to their limits in order to achieve their full potential.

11.3.5 item Competition is a healthy part of education.

  • rationale:
    • Korean students are taught to compete with each other in order to excel. This competition is seen as a way to motivate students to learn and achieve their goals.

11.4 Harmony and Balance

📖 Koreans strive for harmony and balance in all aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal conduct.

11.4.1 item Maintaining good relationships is more important than personal achievements.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans believe that harmony within social groups is essential for a stable and prosperous society. Individual success should not come at the expense of damaging relationships.

11.4.2 item Respect for elders and authority figures is paramount.

  • rationale:
    • Korean culture places a great emphasis on hierarchy and respect for those who are older or in positions of authority. This belief fosters a sense of order and stability within society.

11.4.3 item Balance and moderation are key in all aspects of life.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans strive to achieve a harmonious balance in their lives, avoiding extremes and seeking a middle ground. This belief extends to areas such as work, relationships, and personal conduct.

11.4.4 item Consensus and cooperation are valued over individualistic decision-making.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans emphasize the importance of group harmony and decision-making. Individual opinions and desires are often considered less important than the collective well-being of the group.

11.4.5 item Saving face and avoiding shame are crucial social concerns.

  • rationale:
    • Koreans are highly sensitive to social status and reputation. Maintaining a positive public image and avoiding situations that could bring shame is a significant concern, shaping their behavior and interactions.

11.5 Saving Face

📖 Koreans place great importance on saving face, both for themselves and for others, and they may go to great lengths to avoid embarrassment or shame.

11.5.1 item Koreans believe that losing face is one of the worst things that can happen to a person.

  • rationale:
    • Losing face means being humiliated or embarrassed in front of others, and it can damage a person’s reputation and social standing.

11.5.2 item Koreans often go to great lengths to avoid losing face.

  • rationale:
    • This may include lying, cheating, or even violence.

11.5.3 item Koreans may also try to save face for others, even if it means sacrificing their own interests.

  • rationale:
    • This is because they believe that it is important to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.

11.5.4 item The concept of saving face is deeply ingrained in Korean culture.

  • rationale:
    • It is taught from a young age, and it is reinforced by social norms and expectations.

11.5.5 item The importance of saving face can sometimes lead to negative consequences.

  • rationale:
    • For example, it can prevent people from admitting their mistakes or seeking help when they need it.