"Family First, Ancestors Second"—Four in 10 Households Do Not Hold Ancestral Rites

[Financial News]  Roughly four in 10 respondents said they would spend the holiday meeting only with family and relatives, without holding ancestral rites or visiting ancestral graves.
In a survey on Chuseok plans released on the 23rd by the Survey Research Center at Sungkyunkwan University (SRC), 43% said they planned only family gatherings, without holding ancestral rites or visiting ancestral graves.
Another 43% said they planned both ancestral rites or visits to ancestral graves and family gatherings. Only 4% said they would hold ancestral rites or visit ancestral graves without spending separate time with family or relatives, while 11% said they had planned neither.
The survey, commissioned by SRC from Research & Research, was conducted from the 18th to the 21st among 1,220 adults aged 18 or older nationwide through telephone interviews using random digit dialing (RDD).
SRC analyzed the results as showing a clear shift in the focus of traditional holidays from customary rites to gatherings among family members.
Ninety-three percent agreed with the statement, "I try to keep promises I make." The proportion agreeing with "I try to observe etiquette appropriate to the situation" was also high at 91%, suggesting that changes in traditional rites have not led to the overall disappearance of Confucian values.
Seventy-seven percent agreed with the statement, "When I see someone in a difficult situation, I want to help." Meanwhile, 69% said Confucian values have a positive influence on modern society.
However, many respondents also recognized negative aspects of Confucian values. Fifty-seven percent said they reinforce hierarchical order, while 52% said they reinforce cronyism. Another 50% said they strengthen a male-centered patriarchal order.
Only 30% agreed with the statement, "The opinions of older people should be respected more than those of younger people," indicating that attitudes emphasizing age-based hierarchy are relatively weak.
SRC stated, "Confucian values are being selectively embraced depending on the specific value, rather than simply being maintained or weakened." It added, "Rather than accepting or rejecting traditional values wholesale, people are placing importance on relationships and community while distancing themselves from hierarchy and privilege."


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