Sommaire
The jokbo (족보), the traditional Korean genealogical register, is a fundamental part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Korean peninsula. This document, whose origins date back several centuries, offers a unique window on the evolution of family structures, social hierarchies and cultural values that have shaped Korean society over time.
Origins and historical development
The origins of jokbo go back to ancient China, where genealogical registers of the imperial family, known as “系”, already existed. This practice spread to the Korean peninsula, where it took on particular importance. The oldest known Korean jokbo dates back to 1476 and belongs to the Andong Kim clan, marking the beginning of a tradition that would profoundly influence Korean society.
The practice of jokbo developed considerably from the 16th century onwards, during the Joseon period (1392-1897). This expansion reflected the growing importance attached to family lineages in Korean society at the time, a trend that was part of the wider context of Neo-Confucian influence on social and family structures.
Structure and content of Jokbos
In its traditional form, the jokbo is much more than a simple list of names and dates. It is a complex, information-rich document, offering a detailed insight into the history and structure of a clan or family.
At the heart of the jokbo is the family name, followed by the bongwan (본관), which indicates the clan’s geographical origin. This information is crucial in Korean society, where identity is closely linked to membership of a specific clan. The document then lists family members chronologically, starting with the founding ancestor and working down to current generations.
For each individual, the jokbo generally provides the full name, including the nom de plume for the literati, dates of birth and death, as well as the location of the grave. This information is supplemented by details of official titles, notable achievements and matrimonial alliances, providing a complete picture of the social position and achievements of each family member.
It’s important to note that the structure of the jokbo has evolved over time. Older versions often included women in a more egalitarian way, while more recent versions tend to follow a strictly patrilineal structure, reflecting changes in social norms and gender roles in Korea.
Social and cultural significance
During the Joseon period, jokbo played a crucial role in defining and maintaining social structures. It served as tangible proof of membership of the yangban (aristocratic) class, enabling families to maintain their high social status. This function of the jokbo illustrates the rigidity of the social hierarchy of the time and the importance attached to family lineage in determining individual status.
Beyond its role in social stratification, the jokbo was also of significant importance in family and cultural life. It was frequently consulted for matrimonial arrangements, serving to avoid unions between close relatives and to ensure appropriate alliances between families of comparable status. This practice underlines the interconnection between genealogical considerations and broader social dynamics in traditional Korean society.
The possession and transmission of the jokbo was considered an important filial duty, reflecting the Confucian values deeply rooted in Korean society. The document thus played a crucial role in strengthening family cohesion and the sense of belonging to a clan, helping to preserve and transmit family identity across the generations.
Jokbo evolution and controversy
In the late Joseon period and early modern era, the jokbo system underwent significant changes and came under increasing criticism. One of the major problems that emerged was the falsification of registers. Some families, eager to improve their social status, sought to attribute prestigious ancestors to themselves by modifying their jokbo. This practice not only called into question the integrity of the system, but also revealed the intense social pressures linked to status and lineage in Korean society.
At the same time, the use of jokbo as a tool of social discrimination began to be questioned by certain intellectuals of the time. These criticisms reflected a growing awareness of the inequalities inherent in a system that determined social status primarily on the basis of birth rather than individual merit.
Another notable aspect of the evolution of the jokbo is the change in the representation of women over time. Older versions often included detailed information about female family members, but this practice has gradually diminished, reflecting wider changes in gender roles and the patriarchal structure of Korean society.
Jokbo in modern Korea
Although its social importance has diminished considerably in modern Korea, the jokbo continues to play a significant role as part of Korea’s cultural heritage. Some families continue the tradition of updating their jokbo, sometimes adapting this ancient practice to modern technologies by creating digital versions.
From an academic point of view, jokbo have become valuable historical sources. Researchers use them to study social mobility, family structures and demographic changes in Korea over long periods. This academic use underlines the continuing value of the jokbo beyond its traditional role.
It is interesting to note the divergence in the treatment of jokbo between North and South Korea. In North Korea, the practice of jokbo was officially discouraged after 1945, as part of wider efforts to break with traditions perceived as feudal. Nevertheless, some registers have been preserved for their historical value. In South Korea, on the other hand, the practice persists, although its social importance has diminished considerably since the Joseon era.
By the way, just an observation on the question of the distribution of names in Korean society, but , kim
Conclusion
As a traditional Korean genealogical register, the jokbo embodies the confluence of family history and societal evolution in Korea. Its multifunctional role – as historical archive, status marker and research tool – makes it a fascinating object of study for social scientists.
The evolution of jokbo over the centuries reflects the profound changes in Korean society, from the rigid social hierarchy of the Joseon period to the rapid transformations of the modern era. The persistence of this practice, albeit in modified forms, in contemporary Korea raises interesting questions about the tension between tradition and modernity in East Asian societies.
In conclusion, the study of jokbo not only offers a unique insight into Korean history and culture, but also provides valuable perspectives on how societies preserve, transmit and adapt their traditions in the face of social and technological change. In so doing, jokbo continues to play an important role in understanding Korean identity, both as a link to the past and as a reflection of ever-changing social dynamics.
Sources :
- ill 1: Register-Jokbo-Kim
- ill 2 : “Yangsegyebo,” a genealogy of eunuch from Joseon Kingdom / Courtesy of National Library of Korea
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