Same Bed, but Different Dreams? Divergent Aspirations and Dream Habitus Among Youth in South Korea

South Korea has long been recognized globally for its high educational standards and ambitious youth. Historically, many young people sought upward social mobility and a stable middle-class life through higher education and securing prestigious employment.

The early 2010s saw the emergence of the "N-po generation" discourse. This concept, derived from the Korean word "po" meaning "to give up," reflected a growing reality where young people were relinquishing various elements traditionally associated with social advancement and middle-class stability. These included employment, marriage, family formation, and homeownership. As the number of factors being abandoned increased from three to five to seven, Korean media coined the term "N-po" to encapsulate this phenomenon.

However, does this trend apply uniformly across all youth? While young people generally share high aspirations for decent jobs, evidenced by the country's exceptionally high university enrollment rates, their family backgrounds and social statuses are diverse. The social strata individuals occupy significantly influence their aspirations, aligning with the sociological concept of 'habitus'. This presentation will analyze why South Koreans exhibit differing aspirations despite seemingly sharing the same educational "bed" of widespread university attendance.

Of particular interest in this study is the role of region as a parameter. South Korea's higher education institutions are hierarchically structured, with the most prestigious universities predominantly located in Seoul. Consequently, university admission serves as a gatekeeper on the path to desirable employment opportunities, creating different "dreams" within the same educational landscape.

Through in-depth interviews, this presentation uncovers the process by which different aspirations are formed among young people. Specifically, we will demonstrate how social status, including family background, influences individual aspirations regarding university enrollment. Furthermore, we will explore how universities and their geographic locations contribute to shaping young people's aspirations for quality employment and upward mobility.