Forecasting the Mega Trends of Korean Women's Life Style Under the Ubiquitous Technology Environment

Abstract

Development of technology in the 20th century has made great contributions to women’s lives. With the development of digital convergence, home network, and DMBs (Distance Method Bracings), the ubiquitous technology information era is expected to create a new progressive era for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the lifestyle that Korean women would like to pursue, especially in regards to the sense of value within the personal and social life of each individual. As a method to suggest how the socio-cultural trends of women's lifestyle will change in the ubiquitous era, qualitative interviews have been conducted over 6 groups with 77 persons between the digital ages of 20s and 30s, living in Seoul. The majority had positive opinions regarding the economic, cultural, emotional, and physical prospects of the ubiquitous information environment. Results show high expectations evolved around freedom from household chores, the equality between the sexes (at home and in society), enhancing the working environment at home, an expansion of human relationships leading to creative knowledge, being able to maintain a single life without economic constraints, and the enjoyment that the internet provides. For suggestions to improve the quality of women’s lifestyle through ubiquitous technology, issues such as individual based customization, time management, creating emotional hyperspaces, multi-media communication systems, and women as leaders were studied.