Shadow of Economic Success

Social Problems as unintended consequences of development In addition to the low birthrate, there are a number of areas where Korea is ranked top among OECD member countries.

The poverty rate for the elderly over 60 is number one. Here’s

Korea’s relative poverty rate among senior citizens highest among OECD member nations

We also have the highest percentage of children and youth who consider themselves unhappy.

Many would agree that it’s a result of overly competitive atmosphere in schools. And I think this is the worst one… There’s something called the social conflict index. Korea scored the highest. This is the price that Korea has paid for its rapid economic growth, and it’s finally manifesting itself in social problems.

Here’s brief new report about that. Take a listen.

Korea′s social conflict fifth highest among OECD nations

This report was aired in 2013. Since then, the issue has gotten worse. The Social Conflict Index in South Korea is a measure that evaluates the level of political, economic, and social conflicts within the country. As of a recent report in 2021(S. Korea’s conflict index ranks 3rd among OECD countries: report), South Korea ranked third among OECD countries in terms of the severity of national conflicts, trailing only behind Mexico and Israel. The index factors in issues such as economic inequality, political polarization, and social discontent.

Where did this come from? The report suggests that, despite government efforts to address these issues, conflicts have persisted because of economic disparities, housing shortages, and political divisions​. Going back to the low birth rate issue, I think you can get a glimpse of the reality with this new report. There were a few courageous women who talk to a BBC reporter before camera. Why don’t we listen to real people?

Why South Korean women aren’t having babies

To summarize, it’s a result of countries focusing on economic growth and not taking care of the various other parts of the society so well.

So you end up with this unbalanced development where one part of the country gets ahead and the other part of the country is far behind.

So this imbalance, in turn, is where the tension is created among different parts of a society.

Tensions arise, and they develop into conflicts, and eventually they become social problems. And we’re seeing the symptoms of those problems.