Epistemic violence: the counterhistory of the experiences and prevalence of anti-trans violence in South Korea
Creators: name: Kim, Gaeun
Publisher: name: No Publisher Supplied
Year: 2023

description: In the vast landscape of South Korea, a resilient and vibrant community remains obscured from the spotlight—trans individuals are marginalized and underrepresented. Regarding the invisibility of this population, addressing the violence they experience is challenging in practice because it does not conform to the prevailing notions of violence, which typically involve using force, coercion, or physical intimidation to achieve a specific end. Instead, the violence inflicted upon trans individuals in Korea can be categorized as epistemic, transcending the physical form. This approach calls for a more holistic perspective that considers structural inequalities and power imbalances. Building upon this understanding, this thesis analyzes the epistemic violence faced by trans individuals in Korea by drawing upon diverse theoretical frameworks, including identity invalidation, the rebuttal system, and gender(ing) violence. The research methodology employed in this study is feminist critical discourse analysis, which explores the influence of language and discourse on power relations, particularly related to gender and sexuality. By adopting this approach, the thesis conducts a comprehensive examination of anti-trans violence in the region by analyzing data from various sources, such as social media posts, media coverage, and scholarly works.The research addresses the following questions: What factors have contributed to the volatility and controversy surrounding discussions of trans politics in Korean society? What are the various manifestations of violence experienced by trans individuals within the Korean context? What are the implications of neoliberalism in Korean feminist spaces, and how has it shaped perceptions of trans individuals? The principal aim of this study is to scrutinize the development of Korean trans-exclusionary discourse within a historical framework, with specific emphasis on the involvement of feminist movements concerning the prevalence of anti-trans violence in Korea. To achieve this objective, the chapters encompass a comprehensive exploration of Korea’s political, economic, and cultural landscape, a concise historical overview of the women’s movement in the country, an in-depth examination of anti-trans violence within Korean institutions through two illustrative case studies, and a critical analysis of Korean trans-exclusionary feminism. By considering the broader political and cultural contexts, along with specific temporal, spatial dimensions, and contextual factors, this analysis uncovers the intersection of feminist and anti-trans politics and their impact on the lives of trans individuals in Korea.The overarching objective is to make a significant contribution toward generating comprehensive data on the pervasive issue of anti-trans violence in South Korea. This thesis illuminates the intricate facets of anti-trans violence, including its prevalence and impacts within the region. The outcomes of this investigation are anticipated to yield invaluable insights that will not only enhance our comprehension of this pressing concern but also pave the way for formulating effective strategies to address and alleviate anti-trans violence in the Korean context.