This study aims to test the generation theory which has attracted public attention in Korea and Japan as noted in such expressions as “880,000-KRW generation” and “Satori generation.” Preceding studies have argued that actual generations have been created through the process of stratification experiences caused by rapid social changes in Korea and Japan. On the contrary, there have been arguments that the generational gap is one aspect of the class inequality and that the generation theory is underestimating other social cleavages (i.e. social class). To examine these competing hypothesis, this study analysizes public perception of the roles and functions of families and the government.
Using the data from 972 Koreans and 478 Japanese who participated in the “International Family Perception Survey,” this study conducted regression analysis. The regression results show that the IMF generation, the 386 generation in Korea and the Satori generation in Japan, are distinguished from other generations. This is especially important in noting that both the 386 generation and the Satori generation show significantly low reliability on the role of government when their age, education level, and income level are controlled. Results also show differences by respondents’ social class. In Korea, the lower class strongly disagreed with associative mating and were more open to same sex marriage than other social classes. In Japan, the middle class showed disagreement on the role of government in old-age pension and the lower class favored expanded governmental roles in childcare. This study also found that gender is a meaningful factor which explained perception gaps, and discussed about generation theory in Korea and Japan.