Case Studies: South Korea and Sri Lanka
Changing Social Structures, Gender Roles and Urban Life
- Asian societies underwent rapid social change, transforming family structures, gender expectations and urban lifestyles.
- Industrial growth increased middle-class expansion and urban mobility.
- Women gained higher educational access, entering new professional fields.
- Traditional family roles adapted to modern employment patterns.
- Migration reshaped community identities in major cities.
- Exposure to global culture influenced lifestyle choices and norms.
Case study
Social Transformation in South Korea (1980–2005)
Shifts and Causes
- Urbanization accelerated social mobility as rural populations moved to cities.
- Women entered higher education in increasing numbers, challenging old norms.
- Declining birth rates altered demographic structure and family expectations.
- Youth culture adopted global influences through media and technology.
- Work culture shifted toward skilled professions demanding innovation and training.
Consequences and Patterns
- Social inequality grew between urban regions and rural areas.
- Dual-income households became common due to economic pressure.
- Women faced slower progress in leadership positions despite higher education.
- Changing family norms reshaped household responsibilities and priorities.
- National debates reflected concerns about cultural continuity and tradition.
Definition
Demographic shift
Significant change in population patterns or structure.
Definition
Social mobility
Movement of individuals or groups between social classes.
Education, Health Reforms and Environmental Challenges
- Governments across Asia responded to rapid modernization by strengthening education systems, improving health access and confronting environmental pressures.
- Expanding education helped build skilled workforces for modern economies.
- Public health reforms increased life expectancy and lowered disease rates.
- Urban pollution became a major environmental concern in developing regions.
- Governments invested in clean water and sanitation programs.
- Rural-urban disparities created uneven access to schooling and medical care.
Case study
Sri Lanka’s Social and Health Reforms (1980–2005)
Origins and Programs
- The government expanded free education to strengthen national literacy.
- Public health programs improved maternal and child care nationwide.
- Investments in rural clinics increased medical accessibility.
- Conflict conditions highlighted the importance of humanitarian support.
- Environmental management addressed agricultural and water system needs.
Impact and Results
- Sri Lanka achieved some of Asia’s highest educational outcomes.
- Life expectancy improved due to sustained health investment.
- Civil conflict strained public services, especially in war-affected regions.
- Demographic improvements supported long-term national development.
- Social systems displayed resilience despite political and economic pressures.
Definition
Public health infrastructure
Facilities and programs supporting community health.
Definition
Educational equity
Fair access to quality schooling across populations.
Technology, Communication and Cultural Change
- Technological progress reshaped communication patterns, cultural expression and daily life across Asia from 1980 to 2005.
- Mobile-phone adoption expanded digital connections across regions.
- The internet transformed information access, business and education.
- Technology created new cultural platforms for music, media and entertainment.
- IT industries stimulated economic innovation in emerging economies.
- Technology altered social interactions, especially among youth.
Common Mistake
- Overgeneralizing Asia as a single region without recognizing internal diversity.
- Ignoring environmental impact when discussing modernization.
- Treating gender change as uniform rather than affected by social context.
Exam technique
- Connect technological changes to broader social transformations.
- Use case studies to demonstrate depth and historical accuracy.
- Compare education, gender and environmental issues for stronger analysis.
Theory of Knowledge
- How does technology shape the formation of cultural identity?
- Can social progress be measured without examining environmental costs?
- How do different perspectives influence understanding of social change?
Self review
- Assess the social developments in two Asian countries (excluding China, Japan and India) between 1980 and 2005.
- Examine the impact of technological change on Asian societies in the late twentieth century.
- To what extent did education and health reforms reshape living standards in Asia?
