Korean and Polish Societies.

• 발행기관: 한국외국어대학교 동유럽발칸연구소
• 저자명: Grzegorz Babinski
• 간행물 정보: 『동유럽발칸연구』동유럽연구 제1호, 113~120쪽, 전체 8쪽
• 주제분류: 사회과학 > 정치외교학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 1992.08.30

영문 초록

It is not easy to drow simple and clear conclusions from the comparison made in this short paper. For sure two extreme conclusions have to be excluded, namely, that both societies are quite similar or that both are completly different. Let me put it as another short conclusion: in some elements Korean and Polish society are very close to each other, while in many other dimensions they are very different. If we look at these differences and similarities, we can say, that Korea and Poland used to be more similar than they are now. It mreans, that recent rapid development and modernization of Korean society put this society much ahead in the process of technological and economic modernization, while Polish society, still in deep crisis, remained behind in many dimensions of life. But, on other hand, In Korea one can find more elements of traditional folk and peasnnt culture, even among city dwellers, than in Poland. I have not enough empirical data to compare such important elements of culture like the modernization of thinking in both societies. Modern or not modern thinking is not easy for empirical analysis, anyway, they could be sonmehow described. If we define the modern thinking as a thinking oriented on future, on rational analysis of situation and on economic competition with outside world, we find out, that Koreans are much modern than Poles. Koreans want to change their future, while many Poles, even influential politicians, try to change Poland's past. Koreans bel ive, that what is made in Korea, is, or at least should be better than products made in other countries. Majority of Poles think, that what is made in Poland, is, by definition, of lower quality than foreign products. Probably both Koreans and Poles are wrong in their general judgements, but Korean thinking is more optimistic, productive /it means - modern/. Koreans belive that they are on correct road to modernization and development. I an afraid, that majority of Poles are pessimistic about Poland's chance for real and quick development. Koreans live in atmosphere of economic success, Poles were constantly frustrated during last fifty years. Instead of going out of such frustration and look into the future, Poles think, that their future is determined by the fatalistic destiny or by strong and hostile powers.But is does not mean, that Korean and Polish societies will go on different roads or in different directions. There are many signs that also Polish roads to modernization and prosperity will be open.

목차

1. Introduction.

2. Major similarities.