Spoon class theory: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|South Korean socioeconomic class analogy}}{{for|the disability metaphor|spoon theory}} |
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{{Multiple issues|{{refimprove|date=April 2017}}{{more footnotes|date=April 2017}}{{notability|date=April 2017}}}} |
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{{Infobox Korean name |
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|hangul=수저 계급론 |
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|hanja=수저 階級論 |
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|rr=Sujeo Gyegeumnon |
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|mr=Sujŏ Kyegŭmnon}} |
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The '''spoon class theory''' ({{Korean|hangul=수저 계급론}}) refers to the idea that individuals in a country can be classified into different [[Social class|socioeconomic classes]] represented by the materials used to make spoons, based on the [[assets]] and income level of their parents, and that one's success in life depends entirely on being born into a wealthy family. The term appeared in 2015 and was first widely used among online communities in [[South Korea]].<ref name=":1">[http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201511172020555&code=990101#csidx12244c8ff021ec9929ac09c2834ec8e금수저·흙수저는 현실, 한국은 신계급사회로 가고 있다] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009013024/http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201511172020555&code=990101#csidx12244c8ff021ec9929ac09c2834ec8e금수저 |date=2020-10-09 }}, Kyunghang Shinmun</ref> |
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{{copy edit|date=November 2016}} |
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The term is based on the English [[idiom]] "[[wiktionary:born_with_a_silver_spoon_in_one's_mouth|born with a silver spoon in one's mouth]]". In the past, European [[nobility]] often used silver dishes, and children were fed by nannies using silver spoons, which indicated the wealth of the family. In South Korea, this idea was taken further to establish several categories to classify individuals based on their family's wealth. Unlike the western idiom which simply denotes those "born with a [[silver spoon]]", Korean usage divides society into those born with a variety of spoons ranging from clay, bronze, silver, gold, and even platinum based on their parents' economic status.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Choi |first=Sung-jin |date=November 17, 2015 |title='Spoon class theory' gains force in Korea |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2024/10/129_191159.html |work=Korea Times}}</ref> Those from low-income backgrounds are described as "dirt spoons".<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Choi |first=Hayoung |date=November 26, 2019 |title=No money, no hope: South Korea's 'Dirt Spoons' turn against Moon |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/no-money-no-hope-south-koreas-dirt-spoons-turn-against-moon-idUSKBN1Y106X/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> |
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:''Do not confuse with [[spoon theory]].'' |
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== Usage == |
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{{Infobox Korean name|hangul=수저계급론|rr=Sujeo Gyegeumnon|mr=Sujŏ Gyegŭmnon}} |
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Spoon class theory began widely appearing among online communities in [[South Korea]] in 2015.<ref name=":1" /> |
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'''Spoon Class Theory,''' widely talked about in online communities in [[South Korea]], first appeared in 2015. It refers to the practice of classifying individuals based on the [[assets]]<nowiki/> they [[Inheritance|inherited]] from their parents. Individuals are divided into classes that range from a gold spoon to silver and bronze, and finally, dirt spoon.<ref>[http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201511172020555&code=990101#csidx12244c8ff021ec9929ac09c2834ec8e금수저·흙수저는 현실, 한국은 신계급사회로 가고 있다], Kyunghang Shinmun</ref> |
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In 2019, [[Ministry of Justice (South Korea)|Justice Minister]] [[Cho Kuk]] was engulfed in a corruption scandal after revelations that he and his wife had falsified documents for his children's college applications. The scandal resulted in his resignation after acknowledging being a "gold spoon" and led then-president [[Moon Jae-in]] to apologize.<ref name=":2" /> At the time, ''The New York Times'' reported:<blockquote>The scandal has exploded into the biggest embarrassment of Mr. Moon’s presidency as he has struggled with an ailing economy and a lack of opportunity for many young people. It has particularly fueled outrage about the “gold spoon” children of the elite, who glide into top-flight universities and cushy jobs, leaving their “dirt spoon” peers to struggle in South Korea’s hobbled economy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Choe |first=Sang-Hun |date=October 21, 2019 |title=Coddling of 'Gold-Spoon' Children Shakes South Korea's Political Elite |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/world/asia/south-korea-cho-kuk-gold-spoon-elite.html |work=The New York Times}}</ref></blockquote> |
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The theory comes from the English [[idiom]] “born with a [[silver spoon]] in one’s mouth”. In the past, European [[nobility]] often used silver dishes, and children were fed by nannies using silver spoons, which indicated the wealth of the family. In South Korea, this expression is expanded into several categories whose names translate as "gold spoon", "silver spoon", "bronze spoon" and "dirt spoon". |
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== Sociological analysis == |
== Sociological analysis == |
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Hyo Chan Cho, the author of hyper-reality shock, explained that the meaning of gold spoon, which is common in Korea 'society, "is related to [[Jean Baudrillard]]’s [[simulacrum]]''. He suggested that the gold spoon is included in a simulacrum that doesn’t have an origin. Issues of gold spoon celebrities and commercials which made those people idealize changed nonexistence as existence. Regardless of the pros and cons of a gold spoon, it became an important image of their life. He further stated that as our society accepted images like gold spoon which became a [[hyperreality]]. We accept media’s reproducing images that don’t have originals as more than an existence. ‘Simulacrum’ means an image without substance, it wields strong influence than an existence.<ref>[Son of mother’s friend’ and ‘Gold Spoon’: to deconstruct the class discourse and rewriting stories of parents-children on modern society], ‘엄친아’에서_‘금수저’까지_현대사회의_계급담론을_해체하고_부모자녀의_이야기_다시_쓰기 Kim, Min Hwa, Shinhan University, 2016, p. 21.</ref> |
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Young adults preparing for significant life changes such as college, marriage or employment are concerned that they are at a disadvantage. For example, many corporations in Korea require stellar academic performance and for applicants to speak English fluently. Individuals who come from the upper class can advance themselves due to the wealth and power that their parents or family possess. Young people who come from the middle and lower class are at a disadvantage because often they are expected to work and attend school, coupled with the fact that they are not being provided with the same monetary support as their wealthier peers. This economic polarization not only influences employment but also effects other things like marriage. The causes of inequality in this society are economic and the fact that poverty is passed from generation to generation. This inequality is creating new classes in Korean society. However, some people overcome their parent’s low economic class. Some people who were raised in wealthy families criticize this as well. Unfairness in Korean society is becoming a burden for young adults and is making the Korean society similar to the one described in the spoon class theory.<ref>[소태영(Tate Young So), "‘수저계급론’ 논쟁의 중심에 선 한국 청년들의 열등감(inferiority) 극복을 위한 영성교육", 기독교교육정보/50(-), 2016, 119-153, 한국기독교교육정보학회]</ref> |
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Hyo Chan Cho links the concept of the "gold spoon" to Jean Baudrillard's [[simulacrum]]. He argues that the "gold spoon" exists within a simulacrum, representing an image without an origin that has become a hyperreality in modern society. Gold spoon imagery, perpetuated by media and advertising, idealizes nonexistence as existence, wielding significant influence. According to Cho, society increasingly accepts these reproduced images as more real than reality itself. This aligns with Baudrillard's theory of simulacrum, where substance is secondary to the power of the image.<ref>Son of mother's friend' and ‘Gold Spoon': to deconstruct the class discourse and rewriting stories of parents-children on modern society, '엄친아'에서_‘금수저'까지_현대사회의_계급담론을_해체하고_부모자녀의_이야기_다시_쓰기 Kim, Min Hwa, Shinhan University, 2016, p. 21.</ref> |
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=== Economic Polarization and Social Mobility=== |
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Young adults preparing for life transitions such as college, marriage, or employment often feel disadvantaged, particularly when compared to their wealthier peers.<ref>[소태영(Tate Young So), "‘수저계급론' 논쟁의 중심에 선 한국 청년들의 열등감(inferiority) 극복을 위한 영성교육", 기독교교육정보/50(-), 2016, 119-153, 한국기독교교육정보학회]</ref> Many corporations in South Korea demand exceptional academic performance and English fluency, prerequisites more accessible to the upper class due to their financial resources. In contrast, middle and lower-class individuals face the dual burden of working while studying and lacking comparable monetary support. |
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The spoon classes have been identified as follows:<ref>[http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/10/12/2015101200051.html[트렌드+] 나 흙수저니? 청춘들의 '웃픈' 자학], Chosun.com.</ref> |
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*the golden spoon - 1% of population, with over $200K annual salary, and over $2 million in assets. |
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*the silver spoon - 3% of population, with $80K-$200K annual salary, with $1 million to $2 million in assets. |
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*the bronze spoon - 7.5% of population, with $50K-$80K annual salary, with $500K to $1 million in assets. |
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*the dirt spoon - 50% of population, totaling less than $50K in assets, with only $20K in annual salary. |
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' Brass Spoon "-brass spoon” that who have 50,000,000₩ in assets. |
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Plastic Spoon - that who have less than 50,000,000₩ in assets and earn less than 20,000,000₩ for an annual income. |
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Economic inequality influences not only employment prospects but also broader aspects of life, such as marriage. The persistence of generational poverty has created distinct social classes. While some individuals manage to transcend their socioeconomic origins, others criticize the systemic unfairness perpetuated by the "spoon class" theory. This inequality increasingly burdens young adults and mirrors societal structures described in spoon class theory.<ref>[소태영(Tate Young So), "‘수저계급론' 논쟁의 중심에 선 한국 청년들의 열등감(inferiority) 극복을 위한 영성교육", 기독교교육정보/50(-), 2016, 119-153, 한국기독교교육정보학회]</ref> |
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== Statistics == |
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=== Park Jae-wan's Research on Social Mobility === |
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In the 1980s, the share of assets contributed by gifts and inheritance was 27 percent, but the comparable share rose to 29 percent in the 1990s and to 42 percent in the 2000s, according to a recent paper by Kim Nak-nyeon, an economics professor at [[Dongguk University|Dongkuk University]]. The share is still lower than in advanced countries such as [[Germany]] (42.5 percent), [[France]] (47 percent) and [[United Kingdom|Britain]] (56.5 percent).<ref>[http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2015/11/123_191159.html Spoon Class Theory gain forces in Korea], THE KOREAN TIMES.</ref> |
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Park Jae-wan, a professor at Sungkyunkwan University, analyzed the spoon class theory through the lens of social mobility. He noted that South Korea's income distribution aligns closely with advanced nations, citing indicators like the Gini coefficient and relative poverty rates. However, he argued that the evidence supporting "gold spoon" or "Helos" claims is weak.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.keri.org/web/www/research_0204?p_p_id=EXT_BBS&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_EXT_BBS_struts_action=/ext/bbs/view_message&_EXT_BBS_messageId=354026|title=사회이동성에 대한 진단과 대안모색 - 흙수저는 금수저가 될 수 없는가 - - 한국경제연구원|last=Fu:z|website=www.keri.org|language=ko|access-date=2018-06-29|archive-date=2018-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629130856/http://www.keri.org/web/www/research_0204?p_p_id=EXT_BBS&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_EXT_BBS_struts_action=%2Fext%2Fbbs%2Fview_message&_EXT_BBS_messageId=354026|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Education and Class Inheritance through ages.png|thumb|500px|Graph related to the spoon class theory]] |
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Park's research estimated the likelihood of income groups maintaining their socioeconomic status: 29.8% for the low-income class, 38.2% for the middle class, and 32.0% for the high-income class. While mobility remains possible, stratification has slowed since the financial crisis due to entrenched poverty, particularly among the elderly.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The survey, conducted between June and August, followed 1,342 men across three age groups spanning 19 to 75 years old: 181 men born between 1940 and 1959, the generation of industrialization; 593 men born between 1960 and 1974, the generation of democracy; and 568 men born between 1975 and 1995, the information generation''.''{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} |
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Park identified five causes behind the spoon class theory: |
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The results of the poll found that the spoon class theory not only existed in Korea but deepened with each successive generation. The study showed that the persistence of poverty across generations has deepened, with 50.7 percent in the youngest generation answering that both father and son were in the lower class - an increase of almost 15 percent from the 36.4 percent who answered the same in the democracy generation. {{citation needed|date=November 2016}} |
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# Youth unemployment |
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# Intergenerational wealth transfer |
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# Government regulation and vested interests |
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# Relative deprivation among Koreans |
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# Weak social capital<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== Han Jun's Recommendations === |
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In the oldest generation, only 35.9 percent answered that both father and son were considered in the lower class''.''<ref>[http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3014971 Socioeconomic disparities intensifying: report], The Korea Joongang Daily.</ref> |
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Han Jun, a sociology professor at Yonsei University, emphasized the importance of enhancing social mobility to improve societal vitality and integration. He advocated for targeted policy interventions, such as improving the physical and mental health of children from low-income families and supporting their academic and cognitive development. Han highlighted the need for focused educational investment in rural and low-income areas.<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== Lee Byeong-hoon's Observations === |
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== Criticism == |
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Lee Byeong-hoon, a sociology professor at Chung-Ang University, explored public perceptions of inequality. He found that negative views on opportunistic inequality stem from hierarchical structures and experiences of discrimination. Younger, highly educated individuals expressed stronger criticisms of opportunity inequality. Lee's analysis revealed that perceptions of inequality were most pronounced among the lower-income class, followed by the middle class and, to a lesser extent, the upper class.<ref name=":0" /> |
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In 2015, Korean society entered into a new class era as inequality increased. {{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} According to Global Attitudes Survey conducted by [[Pew Research Center]], Korean citizens answered that the most threatening thing for them is inequality. However, the conclusion that inequality has a similar effect for all cultures should not be automatically assumed, since at least ''8 other countries were content with inequality", including Greece. In contrast, Japan answered that nuclear weapons and radioactivity are most threatening. The results of this survey shows that the awareness of inequality is much higher than nuclear accidents and environmental pollution. {{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} |
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=== Conclusion === |
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The gold spoon phenomenon highlights the complex interplay of economic inequality, social mobility, and public perception in South Korea. While some argue that mobility is still possible, systemic barriers persist, exacerbated by entrenched poverty and intergenerational wealth disparities. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to reduce inequality and foster greater social cohesion. |
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[[Nut rage incident]] in [[Korean Air]]. |
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The suspected unqualified admission of Chung Yoo-ra to [[Ewha Womans University|Ewha University]] is an example of nut rage. [[Chung Yoo-ra]] is a South Korean female [[dressage]] rider. She competed in the [[2014 Asian Games]], where she won a [[Equestrian at the 2014 Asian Games – Team dressage|team gold medal]]. Also, she is also known as a daughter of [[Choi Soon-sil|Choi Sun-sil]], who made the biggest political scandal related to President Park. She is now suspected of unqualified admission to the Ewha University. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[Hell Joseon]] |
*[[Hell Joseon]] |
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*[[Lottery of birth]] |
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*[[Sampo generation]] |
*[[Sampo generation]] |
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*[[Economic inequality in South Korea]] |
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*[[Poverty in South Korea]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{reflist| |
{{reflist|30em}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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*{{cite web | title="It Is Fortunate That I Wasn't Born as a Korean," Ex-Japanese Envoy to Seoul Says in Column - Masatoshi Muto Stirs Controversy in South Korea |publisher=The Seoul Times |url=http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=13297}} |
*{{cite web | title="It Is Fortunate That I Wasn't Born as a Korean," Ex-Japanese Envoy to Seoul Says in Column - Masatoshi Muto Stirs Controversy in South Korea |publisher=The Seoul Times |url=http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=13297}} |
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{{Use British English Oxford spelling|date=November 2018}} |
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[[Category:2015 establishments in South Korea]] |
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[[Category:Culture of South Korea]] |
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[[Category:Sociological theories]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:24, 10 December 2024
| Spoon class theory | |
| Hangul | 수저 계급론 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 수저 階級論 |
| Revised Romanization | Sujeo Gyegeumnon |
| McCune–Reischauer | Sujŏ Kyegŭmnon |
The spoon class theory (Korean: 수저 계급론) refers to the idea that individuals in a country can be classified into different socioeconomic classes represented by the materials used to make spoons, based on the assets and income level of their parents, and that one's success in life depends entirely on being born into a wealthy family. The term appeared in 2015 and was first widely used among online communities in South Korea.[1]
Theory
[edit]The term is based on the English idiom "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth". In the past, European nobility often used silver dishes, and children were fed by nannies using silver spoons, which indicated the wealth of the family. In South Korea, this idea was taken further to establish several categories to classify individuals based on their family's wealth. Unlike the western idiom which simply denotes those "born with a silver spoon", Korean usage divides society into those born with a variety of spoons ranging from clay, bronze, silver, gold, and even platinum based on their parents' economic status.[2] Those from low-income backgrounds are described as "dirt spoons".[3]
Usage
[edit]Spoon class theory began widely appearing among online communities in South Korea in 2015.[1]
In 2019, Justice Minister Cho Kuk was engulfed in a corruption scandal after revelations that he and his wife had falsified documents for his children's college applications. The scandal resulted in his resignation after acknowledging being a "gold spoon" and led then-president Moon Jae-in to apologize.[3] At the time, The New York Times reported:
The scandal has exploded into the biggest embarrassment of Mr. Moon’s presidency as he has struggled with an ailing economy and a lack of opportunity for many young people. It has particularly fueled outrage about the “gold spoon” children of the elite, who glide into top-flight universities and cushy jobs, leaving their “dirt spoon” peers to struggle in South Korea’s hobbled economy.[4]
Sociological analysis
[edit]Gold Spoon as Simulacrum
[edit]Hyo Chan Cho links the concept of the "gold spoon" to Jean Baudrillard's simulacrum. He argues that the "gold spoon" exists within a simulacrum, representing an image without an origin that has become a hyperreality in modern society. Gold spoon imagery, perpetuated by media and advertising, idealizes nonexistence as existence, wielding significant influence. According to Cho, society increasingly accepts these reproduced images as more real than reality itself. This aligns with Baudrillard's theory of simulacrum, where substance is secondary to the power of the image.[5]
Economic Polarization and Social Mobility
[edit]Young adults preparing for life transitions such as college, marriage, or employment often feel disadvantaged, particularly when compared to their wealthier peers.[6] Many corporations in South Korea demand exceptional academic performance and English fluency, prerequisites more accessible to the upper class due to their financial resources. In contrast, middle and lower-class individuals face the dual burden of working while studying and lacking comparable monetary support.
Economic inequality influences not only employment prospects but also broader aspects of life, such as marriage. The persistence of generational poverty has created distinct social classes. While some individuals manage to transcend their socioeconomic origins, others criticize the systemic unfairness perpetuated by the "spoon class" theory. This inequality increasingly burdens young adults and mirrors societal structures described in spoon class theory.[7]
Park Jae-wan's Research on Social Mobility
[edit]Park Jae-wan, a professor at Sungkyunkwan University, analyzed the spoon class theory through the lens of social mobility. He noted that South Korea's income distribution aligns closely with advanced nations, citing indicators like the Gini coefficient and relative poverty rates. However, he argued that the evidence supporting "gold spoon" or "Helos" claims is weak.[8]
Park's research estimated the likelihood of income groups maintaining their socioeconomic status: 29.8% for the low-income class, 38.2% for the middle class, and 32.0% for the high-income class. While mobility remains possible, stratification has slowed since the financial crisis due to entrenched poverty, particularly among the elderly.[8]
Park identified five causes behind the spoon class theory:
- Youth unemployment
- Intergenerational wealth transfer
- Government regulation and vested interests
- Relative deprivation among Koreans
- Weak social capital[8]
Han Jun's Recommendations
[edit]Han Jun, a sociology professor at Yonsei University, emphasized the importance of enhancing social mobility to improve societal vitality and integration. He advocated for targeted policy interventions, such as improving the physical and mental health of children from low-income families and supporting their academic and cognitive development. Han highlighted the need for focused educational investment in rural and low-income areas.[8]
Lee Byeong-hoon's Observations
[edit]Lee Byeong-hoon, a sociology professor at Chung-Ang University, explored public perceptions of inequality. He found that negative views on opportunistic inequality stem from hierarchical structures and experiences of discrimination. Younger, highly educated individuals expressed stronger criticisms of opportunity inequality. Lee's analysis revealed that perceptions of inequality were most pronounced among the lower-income class, followed by the middle class and, to a lesser extent, the upper class.[8]
Conclusion
[edit]The gold spoon phenomenon highlights the complex interplay of economic inequality, social mobility, and public perception in South Korea. While some argue that mobility is still possible, systemic barriers persist, exacerbated by entrenched poverty and intergenerational wealth disparities. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to reduce inequality and foster greater social cohesion.
See also
[edit]- Hell Joseon
- Lottery of birth
- Sampo generation
- Economic inequality in South Korea
- Poverty in South Korea
References
[edit]- ^ a b 현실, 한국은 신계급사회로 가고 있다 Archived 2020-10-09 at the Wayback Machine, Kyunghang Shinmun
- ^ Choi, Sung-jin (November 17, 2015). "'Spoon class theory' gains force in Korea". Korea Times.
- ^ a b Choi, Hayoung (November 26, 2019). "No money, no hope: South Korea's 'Dirt Spoons' turn against Moon". Reuters.
- ^ Choe, Sang-Hun (October 21, 2019). "Coddling of 'Gold-Spoon' Children Shakes South Korea's Political Elite". The New York Times.
- ^ Son of mother's friend' and ‘Gold Spoon': to deconstruct the class discourse and rewriting stories of parents-children on modern society, '엄친아'에서_‘금수저'까지_현대사회의_계급담론을_해체하고_부모자녀의_이야기_다시_쓰기 Kim, Min Hwa, Shinhan University, 2016, p. 21.
- ^ [소태영(Tate Young So), "‘수저계급론' 논쟁의 중심에 선 한국 청년들의 열등감(inferiority) 극복을 위한 영성교육", 기독교교육정보/50(-), 2016, 119-153, 한국기독교교육정보학회]
- ^ [소태영(Tate Young So), "‘수저계급론' 논쟁의 중심에 선 한국 청년들의 열등감(inferiority) 극복을 위한 영성교육", 기독교교육정보/50(-), 2016, 119-153, 한국기독교교육정보학회]
- ^ a b c d e Fu:z. "사회이동성에 대한 진단과 대안모색 - 흙수저는 금수저가 될 수 없는가 - - 한국경제연구원". www.keri.org (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
External links
[edit]- ""It Is Fortunate That I Wasn't Born as a Korean," Ex-Japanese Envoy to Seoul Says in Column - Masatoshi Muto Stirs Controversy in South Korea". The Seoul Times.
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