Lack of democracy in social life

Citizen protests have change into extra widespread because the Dec. 3 martial legislation declaration, notably in Seoul, the place large-scale candlelit protests have been held each night. Initially of the martial legislation disaster, demonstrators gathered in entrance of the Nationwide Meeting constructing in Yeouido to defend democracy and freedom, shouting, “Impeach the president!” A various vary of age teams took half, with younger individuals standing out particularly. They confirmed solidarity by singing well-liked Okay-pop songs like „APT.“ and „Into the New World“ to precise their feelings, their ardour burning even brighter with the glow of candles and Okay-pop gentle sticks.

President Yoon Suk Yeol is now impeached, by way of a vote on the Nationwide Meeting, and is awaiting the Constitutional Courtroom’s ruling. On this ambiance, the protests has change into an vital alternative to name consideration to the necessity for social change, and for many individuals to mirror on their obligations as democratic residents. Residents‘ solidarity and brave actions as soon as once more proved to be an vital second to guard democracy.

Whereas participatory democracy, exemplified by the candlelit revolution and now the Okay-pop gentle stick revolution, has flourished in Korea, democracy in broader society — encompassing areas akin to the house, the office and ladies’s rights — stays inadequate. This is because of a variety of complicated social, historic and financial elements.

First, Korea has a protracted historical past of navy regimes and authoritarian politics. This background supplied exterior motivation for well-liked resistance and human rights promotion. In different phrases, there was a public sq. motion demanding democracy for a change in energy, however democracy in on a regular basis life was comparatively uncared for. Moreover, within the strategy of excessive financial development, the rights of staff and residents have typically been sacrificed. Even after the event of open-air democracy, company energy and financial pursuits tended to take precedence, and points such because the democratic operation of households, companies and ladies’s rights had been pushed to the again burner.

Second, Korean society historically has robust patriarchal values. Gender roles and energy constructions throughout the household are entrenched, making it troublesome to comprehend democracy at residence.

Third, gender gaps and discrimination nonetheless exist as a consequence of poor progress in girls’s rights. Methods and insurance policies are wanted to enhance girls’s social and financial standing, however the actuality is that these adjustments are going down slowly.

Fourth, Korea’s giant firms make up a good portion of the economic system, and their company energy influences politics and society usually. These energy constructions are likely to inhibit democratic decision-making processes inside firms and staff‘ rights claims.

Fifth, Korea’s welfare coverage continues to be inadequate, so there’s a lack of a system to assist households and people. Because of this, financial inequality and struggling persist, impeding the event of residing democracy.

Sixth, whereas colleges focus an excessive amount of on competitors for faculty entrance exams, a lot of the college students are sometimes unaware of their rights and obligations as a consequence of a lack of understanding or training associated to democracy in life.

In conclusion, whereas participatory democracy has helped advance democratic values by citizen resistance and participation, democracy in on a regular basis life has not developed adequately as a consequence of historic, social and financial elements. Points like these have to be addressed regularly by elevated consciousness, change, training and coverage efforts all through society.

Park Sung-ik (parksi48@naver.com) is a retired English trainer from Pungmoon Ladies‘ Excessive College.