Transnational Solidarity in Feminism: The Transfer and Appropriation of German Feminism in South Korea

Abstract

The new progressive women's movement in South Korea, which began after 1987, has attained huge success in a relatively short period of time. One key to this success is transnational solidarity between South Korean and German feminists. The transfer of German feminism to South Korea was facilitated through two channels: a theoretical introduction via print media, and the support of German development assistance. The criticism of Anglo-American feminism and the acceptance of feminism in German socialism, although sometimes unpolished, paved the way for the rise of a new women's movement. In addition, financial support given by the German Evangelical Center for Development Assistance, which focused on gender parity, contributed to the successful development of the new women's movement. This study explores transnational solidarity between South Korean and German feminists, which offer a noticeable model for collaboration between feminist movements in First and Third World countries.