His study showed that Koreans’ antipathy towards foreign workers and immigrants was rated at 0.44 on 1 point scale, the highest level among major countries. Japan and Singapore (0.36), Germany (0.21), the United States (0.14) and China (0.12) followed Korea. Sweden showed the least antipathy towards foreigners with a score of 0.04. (image: Republic of Korea/flickr)
SEOUL, Aug. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study has revealed that Koreans show the highest level of dislike towards foreign workers and immigrants among other major countries.
According to Choi Seung-moon, an assistant researcher at the Korea Institute of Public Finance, who analyzed the “World Values Survey,” Korean society clearly shows struggles related to economic and social issues as it is stepping into a stage of sluggish development.
His study showed that Koreans’ antipathy towards foreign workers and immigrants was rated at 0.44 on 1 point scale, the highest level among major countries. Japan and Singapore (0.36), Germany (0.21), the United States (0.14) and China (0.12) followed Korea. Sweden showed the least antipathy towards foreigners with a score of 0.04.
The World Values Survey is a global research project that explores people’s values and beliefs on politics, economics, society and culture.
Choi said, “Recently, Koreans have showed mixed opinions with regards to the government’s immigration policy as the number of multiracial families and immigrant workers grows rapidly. If the scale of the immigrant population increases, it can be a potential conflict factor for Korean society.”
In addition, Koreans show more antipathy against the elderly compared with other advanced countries, according to the study. Koreans’ consideration of the elderly as a “burden of society” was 1.88 on four-point scale, third after Singapore (1.99) and China (1.92).
“Korean society is not that severe in social struggles compared to other advanced countries. However, if it maintains current trends, it will suffer a severe struggle between the rich and the poor, and among generations and races. Korea needs to prepare measures to prevent such struggles,” Choi added.
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
