A study on Indicators Development and Measures of Social Crisis in Korea

Abstract

- 사회위기 관련 제 이론 및 국내외 선행연구 분석

- 사회위기 지표개발

- 사회위기 지표의 우선순위 설정

- 사회위기 수준 측정

- 사회위기 극복 또는 제거를 위한 정책방안

The purpose of this study is to develop social crisis indicators in Korea; to measure the time-series crisis level based upon these indicators; and to propose policy recommendations to reduce the crisis level according to the measurements. The final social crisis indicators are determined by considering the findings of Delphi survey and respondents' comments. A total of 10 areas and 44 indicators are selected. The analysis results can be summarized as follows. First, Korean society experienced a moderate level of crisis (61~80 points) during 1996~2008, and the level of crisis was relatively low (41~60 points) in 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2007. The level of social crisis was at its lowest at 55.64 in 2005, rising in 2006 to 60.75 and remaining more or less the same thereafter. In 2009, despite of the immense effects of the global economic crisis, the level of social crisis increased only by 0.88 points from the previous year. Based upon these results, this study proposes academic and policy recommendations. At the academic dimension, there is a need to establish the definition and theoretical foundation of social crisis, and further multidisciplinary studies should be conducted as to social crisis. The study results bring to light many aspects of policy implications as follows: establishment of social crisis management system and the concept of permanent job, prevention of middle and high school dropouts, and comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the current policies on low-fertility and aging.