Identification of Attributes Constituiting Korean Social Support -Based on Middle-Aged Women-

한국인이 인지하는 사회적지지의 구성요소 -중년여성을 대상으로-

This study was conducted to identify the attributes constituiting Korean social support and to validate the results of the previous study ‘Search for the meaning of social support in Korean Society.’ The informants were 41 Korean middle-aged women in three cities Seoul, Daejun and Daeku. The data were collected through indepth interviews using the interview guide from Jun. 1994 to Jun. 1995. The interview guide was developed in the simulated situations of ‘Stroke attack’ which expected to be in need of social support. The women were asked to answer what they felt and the appropriate terms representing the situations. Data analysis were conducted by content analysis. Consequently, the Korean social support pyramid was modified as follows ; Support is the apex of the pyramid. The four sides of the pyramid are made up of ‘Jung’(Bound by ties of affection, regard or shared common experience, Connectedness), Do-oom(both emotional and material help), Mi-dum(Faith or belief in) and Sa-Rang(Love). The base of the pyramid is ‘yun’(the basic network of relationships in Korean culture) that connote the meaning of Eunhae(Benevolence), Euimu(duty, responsibility) and Dori(obligation).