Gender Roles in Pachinko

 As there is a lot to say about the gender roles in Pachinko, I aim to focus on a specific event that takes place in the third chapter of the second part of the story. Kyunghee and Sunja have just been offered jobs as cooks in the restaurant on the corner to make kimchi. Kim Changho, the restuarant manager, has offered them each 35 yen, meaning 70 yen per week for their entire household. However, the women are scared that Yoseb will deny them the opportunity to make this extra money. 

Through my eyes, it seems silly that Yoseb would say no to this opportunity. Not only would they be making almost double what he makes alone, but it would also allow the women a designated space to cook the kimchi rather than just in their home. This way, Noa wouldn't be bullied at school anymore as well. It seems like a true win-win considering that their working conditions would be good and they are allowed to bring the children to the restaurant. 

It makes me sad that the gender roles are so prevalent that a seemingly respectable man like Yoseb would deny his family the chance to make so much more money and not have to be so worried about how they are going to get enough to buy food each day. I think pride plays a massive role in how Yoseb feels. He feels as if it would be shameful for his wife to work and as if he failed as a husband if he couldn't provide for his wife and children on his own. I found this scene to be particularly interesting and a prime example of how the gender roles not only prohibit women from their freedoms, but also entire families.