Abstract
Purpose - This study aims to investigate both macro- and micro-level causes of gendered vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, using Ulsan, South Korea, as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach - The research adopts a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative survey data (N = 103) with qualitative semi-structured interviews (N = 8) under the press and release and access models.
Findings - The results show that women’s vulnerability was rooted in neoliberal labor conditions and Confucian patriarchy. While the government offered generalized support, it lacked gender-specific measures. Social capital, especially bridging capital, played a key role in mitigating vulnerability.
Research limitations/implications - The study emphasizes the importance of addressing structural issues to enhance gender-responsive disaster resilience. The findings call for targeted support for marginalized female groups during crises, including mothers, non-regular workers and pregnant women.
Originality/value - This study examines power and neoliberalism by integrating empirical data. It provides rare insight into the lived experiences of Korean women during the pandemic, who are often underrepresented in disaster research.
© Emerald Publishing Limited
Design/methodology/approach - The research adopts a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative survey data (N = 103) with qualitative semi-structured interviews (N = 8) under the press and release and access models.
Findings - The results show that women’s vulnerability was rooted in neoliberal labor conditions and Confucian patriarchy. While the government offered generalized support, it lacked gender-specific measures. Social capital, especially bridging capital, played a key role in mitigating vulnerability.
Research limitations/implications - The study emphasizes the importance of addressing structural issues to enhance gender-responsive disaster resilience. The findings call for targeted support for marginalized female groups during crises, including mothers, non-regular workers and pregnant women.
Originality/value - This study examines power and neoliberalism by integrating empirical data. It provides rare insight into the lived experiences of Korean women during the pandemic, who are often underrepresented in disaster research.
© Emerald Publishing Limited
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy |
| Online published | 30 Dec 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Online published - 30 Dec 2025 |
Bibliographical note
Research Unit(s) information for this publication is provided by the author(s) concerned.Funding
This research was conducted as part of my PhD dissertation at the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University, funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (SPRING) (Grant Number: JPMJSP2148). I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ulsan Women and Family Development Institute for their valuable assistance in facilitating data collection for this study.
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 5 Gender Equality
Research Keywords
- Vulnerability
- PAR model
- Access model
- Gender
- COVID-19
- Ulsan
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