여성가족부 폐지를 둘러싼 퇴행의 젠더정치

초록

This paper aims to analyze the backsliding gender politics surrounding the recent abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family within the historical trajectory of women’s policy institutions from the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Women’s Affairs in 1))8 to the current Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Major results of the paper are as follows. First, the article argues that from the establishment of the comprehensive women’s policy institution during the Kim Dae-jung administration to the trajectory of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family under the conservative governments of Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, the machinery of women’s policies has shifted towards expanding organizational size, compromising feminist political essence of gender equality. Paradoxically, this shift serves as both the basis for advocating its abolition and a reflection of the weakening commitment to gender equality within the institution. Secondly, under the Moon Jae-in administration, which declared itself feminist government, there have been more favorable attitudes towards gender equality policies and numerous achievements than ever before. However, this period has also seen the highest level of backlash and anti-feminism towards gender equality. This period demonstrates both the innovative potential of progressive governments in gender equality policies and the coexistence of limitations stemming from a cautious attitude towards gender conflicts. Finally, this paper diagnoses the gender politics surrounding the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family under the current government in the context of a democratic backsliding. Its specific dimensions include: first, discursive depoliticization openly opposing gender equality; second, policy decay, replacing existing gender equality policies with family population policies through reframing policies; third, gradually advancing policy regression through budget cuts, execution delays, and failure to fulfill promises; and finally, the deterioration of inclusivity and obligation mechanisms through the absence or abolition of governance. In conclusion, the article suggests the necessity of feminist politics to transcend regressive gender politics and the challenges of gender policies.

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