조선후기 ‘기혼(旣婚) 효녀’ 사례들의 특징과 의미 (Married Daughters Remaining Loyal to their Parents during the Joseon Dynasty’s Latter Half Period: Characteristics and Meaning)

서지정보

· 발행기관 : 한국학중앙연구원 한국학중앙연구원
· 수록지 정보 : 한국학 / 46권 / 4호 / 227 ~ 260페이지
· 저자명 : 이정민

초록

일반적 통념과 달리, 조선후기 사회에서는 일상 속 물질적･정서적 봉양, 유배･병중 등 특수 상황에서의 봉양, 그리고 부모님 사후의 상례와 제례 준수 등 기혼 여성의 효행 사례가 적지 않게 발견된다. 일상성과 장기지속성을 보여주는 이런 사례들은 극단적 신체 훼손보다는 장시간의 감정 소모 등에 따른 정서적 자기파괴도 보여준다. 기혼 여성의 효행이 가능했던 것은 친정과의 물리적･정서적 밀착성, 그리고 부모 봉양에 딸들이 동원되는 것을 자연스럽게 생각했던 사회 분위기 때문이었다. 무엇보다도 기혼 여성들의 이런 효녀로서의 삶은 효부가 되어야 할 당위성이나 열녀를 추구하는 가치와 상충하지 않고 공존했는데, 며느리를 대체하는 딸의 상시적 봉양이 효부의 역할에 대한 사회적 요구를 떨어뜨린 점, 효를 타고난 천성으로 여기는 통념이 효녀와 효부를 다르지 않은 존재로 간주케 한 점, 죽음으로써 열녀가 되는 대신 부모 봉양을 포기하는 여성들에 대한 사회적 불만 등이 그 원인이었던 것으로 보이며, 다만 효녀로서의 삶과 열녀로서의 삶 사이에 존재했던 근본적 괴리는 ‘효녀로 살다가 열녀로 죽기’를 기대하는 이른바 효열(孝烈)의 담론으로 이어져 여성에게 이중의 속박을 지우게 되었다.

영어초록

Contrary to the general belief, throughout the latter-half period of the Joseon dynasty, married daughters were able to tend to their parents’ needs, not only physically, temporary, or limited to specific situations—for example, caring for sick or distressed parents. They could provide emotional and psychological care as well, that too on a regular—often, full-time—basis. Even after their parents died, they conducted funerals and memorial services. There are few examples of these daughters experiencing significant physical strain; however, there are instances of mental breakdown, which could have been an even greater threat to their well-being. Their service was made possible by the fact that the physical—and more importantly, emotional—distance between their matrimonial and parental homes was insignificant. Additionally, the society at the time was not opposed to the idea of married daughters tending to their aged parents. Most importantly, a daughter’s loyalty toward her parents did not conflict with her obligations toward her parents-in-law or husband. This was probably because married daughters’ services rendered the services of the daughters-in-law less imperative and more optional. Additonally, the social notion of filial piety being the ultimate moral value ensured that daughters loyal to their biological parents were not blamed of ignoring their matrimonial responsibilities.Moreover, the society abhorred the idea of daughters abandoning their parents for their husbands. Thus, the prevalent social notion was that females should live as loyal daughter and die as loyal wives and daughters-in-law. This notion aimed to harmonize the constantly colliding aspects of the two lives forced upon the females of that era. However, instead of serving as a solution, it was yet another social burden imposed upon these married daughters.

참고자료

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