An Analysis of the Living Arrangement of Australians for Cross-Cultural Study with Korean Immigrants in Melbourne, Australia

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association 2005;43(9):143-162.

호주인과 호주 교민의 주거문화 비교를 위한 기초 연구(2) - 호주인의 주공간 및 주생활 분석을 중심으로 -

Young Shim Lee, Sang Hae Lee

Dept. of Architecture, SungKyunKwan University

ABSTRACT

Many ethnic groups have different cultural backgrounds and each culture has developed with its own traditions. The interaction between different cultures is getting more active through acculturation and cultural contact. The purpose of this study was to provide basic data about the domestic living of Australians in order to compare with Korean immigrants in the form of a Cross-Cultural study. For this, usage of domestic space and seating style of 53 Australian households in Melbourne were analyzed. Ethnographic research with questionnaire was used. The results of the research were as follows. 1. The open plan type combining the kitchen, dining and tying areas was the most popular one for Australians and they are very satisfied with that type. 2. The laundry room has been planned traditionally and Australians demand to be able to dry their laundry and do ironing in there additionally. Most of Australians were satisfied with separated toilet and bathroom. h drain hole on the floor of the bathroom was not essential for most Australians. 3. Australians were doing various activities in the living areas and they also enjoy gelling together in the kitchen and dining areas. 4. The seating style of Australians was generally the chair-seating style. However, they sometimes made a bed for guests on the floor and watched TV and treated guests with both chair seating style and floor seating style. 5. Australians were satisfied with using carpet presumably for its warmth.6. Many Australians took off their shoes inside of the house for hygienic reason. Most people organized the shoes in the cabinet of the bedroom. 7. The most popular heating system was ducted heating for Australians and they were very satisfied with it because it was suitable for the weather in Melbourne. 8. The living room was the most important one for Australian families and they thought that it should be decorated well for entertaining guests. It was also considered that brightness of the light was enough for most Australians.

Keywords: 비교문화연구, Cross-Cultural Study, 문화적 배경, cultural background, 전통, tradition, 한국 교민, korean immigrants, 호주인, Australians, 주거 공간, domestic space, 기거양식, seating style