Süd-Korea als Schwellenland: Wirtschaftliche und soziale Probleme des Entwicklungsweges

Abstract

The Republic of Korea has become known for its tremendous economic growth during the last two decades. Protagonists of this export-led model of economic development argue that the average growth-rates of 10-11 % annually were even accompanied by positive social results and a satisfactory distribution of income. The article confronts this argumentation with the results of field-research. South Korea is, at present, suffering from a serious structural crisis in the economy due to its export-orientation and the neglect of the internal market. The Korean growth-model seems to have reached the limits of its expansion. An analysis of the social situation of workers in the manufacturing sector, small farmers and women reveals social deficits for all major groups. A general "trickling-down" of the results of economic growth has not taken place. In order to suppress the resultant rising unrest among the working population the political leadership has turned to repression and a dictatorial mode of government. The extreme violation of human rights has thus become a logical consequence of the economic system.