In the 1980s, both the Thatcher administration in the U.K. and the Reagan administration in the U.S. faced stagflation, a phenomenon characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of economic stagnation and inflation. In response, neoliberal policies were adopted, primarily influenced by economists Milton Friedman and Friedrich von Hayek. This market-first approach gained traction globally, leading to widespread implementation of market fundamentalist policies. Because of over three decades of neoliberalism, social polarization and a growing poverty class emerged, with increasing social inequalities reported across various countries. Korea was not immune to the global spread of these neoliberal practices.

In 2001, the Kim Dae-jung administration established the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and by 2005, terms like "power girl" and "alpha girl" began to emerge in public discourse, suggesting an improvement in women's status within society. However, research revealed that individual women's experiences — such as employment rates, wage gaps, and discrimination within families — did not reflect these perceived advancements. In September 2008, Korea faced significant challenges stemming from the U.S. financial crisis, which was triggered by the subprime mortgage situation.

In addition, in 2011, Korea faced another financial crisis originating from Europe, resulting in high prices, increasing household debt, unstable employment, and elevated youth unemployment, further deepening social polarization. Reports in 2012 indicated that around 120 young people took their own lives due to intense competition and school bullying. Furthermore, one-person households became the most common household type in the country. Overall, among OECD member nations, Korea ranked highest in irregular jobs, suicide rates, and elderly poverty, while placing second in relative poverty rates and third in income inequality. A study conducted by a male scholar highlighted that patriarchalism in Korean society is intertwined with ageism and gender discrimination, asserting that poverty is inherently sexist.

R. Ruether, the late prominent scholar, characterized the pervasive neoliberal globalization that transcends national borders as a form of fundamentalist patriarchy. She argued that it embodies Mammonism, with economic individuals seeking the free movement and dominance of capital, a mindset that permeates the human psyche like a religion. Consequently, temples and churches are not immune to this neoliberal perspective. Additionally, Ruether noted that religious individuals have historically pursued imperialist expansion, mirroring the strategies of multinational corporations in their quest for global reach.

A study by Stephen Pollack and Margaret Rossiter, prominent scholars in the field of feminist studies, highlighted that the social impact of feminism and women's issues diminishes under the dominance of neoliberalism. This implies that as individuals become corporate subjects and state power shifts toward global influences, there is little room left for individual women to advocate for their rights or pursue gender equality.

This phenomenon is also evident in Korea. From 2011 to 2024, the primary focus has shifted to securing employment and navigating a highly competitive environment. As a result, young women, constrained by limited time and financial resources, have found it challenging to engage with women's issues or participate actively in related activities.

To make matters worse, political and social animosity has intensified, further complicating the harsh realities of survival amid the extreme competition and anxiety fostered by neoliberalism. K. Heffelfinger, a prominent scholar, asserted that women's rights are intrinsically linked to Christian salvation, as both seek a vision where all beings can thrive and live in ideal conditions. Despite the myriad daunting social and economic challenges, we must strive for freedom and equality; otherwise, our lives will diminish, relative poverty will worsen, and we may find ourselves unaware of how this decline occurs.

Lee Nan-hee studied English in college and theology at Hanshin University.