Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs Adm > v.20(4) > 1051765

Jin and Kim: Women Nurses' Independence Movement during the Japanese Occupation: A Historical Research Study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of Korean women nurses in the independence movement and to examine their activities during the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945.

Methods

Nurses studied were women nurses referred to as Ganhowon, Ganhobu, Gyeonseupganhobu, Sanpa, and Josanbu at that time. Five participants such as descendents or relatives of nurses who participated in independence movements, were selected for interview to provide oral historical materials. An historical research approach was used and all of the data were analyzed according to period, region, and pattern of the independence movement.

Results

Throughout the historical literature and oral historical materials, it was found that from 1914 to 1945, thirty-eight women nurses actively participated in various types of independence activities such as mass hurrah demonstrations, raise the spirit of war, red cross activities, enlightenment movement and armed struggle to encourage the public to stand up against Japanese imperialism locally and abroad.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that women nurses, as enlightened women, endeavored to solve social issues with their autonomous volition, and these action can serve as meaningful evidence for enhancing the social status of nurses.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Patterns of Women Nurses' Independence Movement
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Notes

This manuscript is an addition based on the first author's master's thesis from Ewha Womans University.

This study was partially supported by a grant from the Korean Nurses Association.

Appendix

APPENDIX

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