Female Face of North Korean Capitalism

Recently North Korea has undergone a major - if unappreciated - social transformation. While the old facade of Juche socialism is still carefully maintained, the daily economy is now dominated by a multitude of private businesses. These businesses are largely run by women. Paradoxically enough, the old male-centered economic policy in the new situation has led to the marginalization of males. Unlike the case of many post-socialist countries, the arrival of market economy to North Korea has resulted in a significant improvement of females’ social standing.