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영어

This study studies policy implications of the phenomenon of "bipolarization" in contemporary Korea by providing ample case studies of developed foreign countries in terms of bipolarization and policy responses. The phenomenon of bipolarization is a relatively new phenomenon, even in developed countries. Bipolarization has emerged as one of Korea's major problems, as its speed is unprecedented and its scope is broad and comprehensive. Implications from the case studies are, among others, as follows; First, policies of supporting the middle and lower classes and creating human capital among them is vital for middle income countries to advance to the status of advanced economy. Second, poverty policies including public assistance have limited effects on fighting polarization. Third, in order to decrease poverty, assistance to poor regions rather than to poor people is more effective. Fourth, the quality of public education needs to be improved to respond to technological demands for skilled workers. Fifth, lifelong education and re-education should be strengthened to cope with changing demand. Sixth, economic policies need to be re-examined to check for bias toward big firms. Seventh, the derivation of social agreements in the role of government is essential under the era of a decreasing growth rate.

한국어

급속한 기술 변화 등의 요인에 의해 최근 가속화되는 전 세계적 양극화 추세와 함께 우리나라에서도 양극화가 진행되고 있다. 한국의 양극화 현상을 제대로 이해하려면 동 현상의 전 세계적 보편성과 특수성을 구분하여 이해하는 것이 필요하다. 본 연구는 인적자본 축적, 빈곤지역에 대한 지원, 평생교육 및 재교육의 강화, 경제정책의 양극화적 검토, 재정의 역할에 대한 사회적 합의도출, 기업의 경제 활동과 복지체계의 분리 등을 해외 사례의 시사점으로 제안하고 있다.