Comparing Perceived Social Insecurity across Different Cohort Groups

Abstract

This study aims to identify the core factors underlying the widespread perception of social insecurity in Korean society across different birth cohorts. It distinguishes between perceived social insecurity rooted in system and life-world levels, exploring their distinct characteristics and explanatory factors across cohorts. The analysis reveals that across all cohorts, the widening wealth gap, distrust in the government's crisis management abilities, or general distrust in the government are key contributors to perceived social insecurity. Furthermore, concerns about the system's functioning rules are prevalent across all cohorts. Differences emerge between cohorts. For those born before the mid-1970s, concerns related to system factors are more strongly associated with overall social insecurity perception, whereas for those born after the mid-1970s, those of life-world factors are more closely linked. Perceived social insecurity is a pressing policy concern due to its potential to impact individual lives and social systems. To mitigate this, policy responses should prioritize addressing the core factors that exacerbate perceived social insecurity and aim to weaken the interconnectedness of socioeconomic status, psychological distress, negative social experiences, and other factors influencing social insecurity perception through comprehensive social insecurity reduction policies.