공동체 경험에 나타난 가족의 의미 탐색

초록

Objectives: This study explores the lived experiences in community and elucidate the meaning of family. Method: This study employed symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework and a descriptive phenomenology research method. The participants were nine adult men and women who had been involved for over 5 years in a Christian community located in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Data were collected from September to October 2024 through in-depth interviews, various materials, and participant observation, and were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis method. Results: The analysis yielded 114 meaning units, 31 sub-themes, and 9 essential themes reflecting family experience in the community. These nine essential themes include ‘voluntary choice and joining’, ‘forming a community lifestyle and group identity’, ‘recognizing new significant others and roles’, ‘forming interdependence and mutual responsibility based on holistic relationships’, ‘conflict crisis response and trust building based on responsibility, commitment, and shared values’, ‘boundary dissolution between the family of origin and the community’, ‘the formation of a new self’, ‘new family awareness based on loving bond’, and ‘expanding experiences within the community’. The core theme, integrating the nine essential themes, was conceptualized as ‘The foundation for expanding self and solidarity through holistic acceptance, mutual care, and affectionate bonds based on a voluntary choice and responsibility.’ Conclusions: This study is significant as it explores the meaning of family from the perspective of individuals who experience communal family life outside traditional family structures, providing insights relevant to changes in family concepts.

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