Beyond Populism Dreaming of Community

The Z Generation (1995—) that followed the Millennium Generation 
(1981-1996), in a survey that was made, attracted attention because of the lack of trust in Korean society (74.3%).

A social critic in the Peace column of the Peace Weekly gives the readers some thoughts on the subject.

Generation Z has strong individualistic values, independent, and considers economic value important; different from the generations X and Y (1981-1996) that pursued idealism. They have the notion that our society is not fair and expect little from political change, no matter the efforts. They have little hope in the future and will be the future leaders in Korean society.

Generation Z also pays attention to populism, which is happening around the world. The uncertain reality brought about by inequality, globalization, and the information society is expressed in their disappointment and anger towards the older generations who are incapable of solving the problems. Anti-immigration policy, the rejection of social minorities, and Brexit have emerged as a result of populism. In our society, the influence of populism is expected to grow even more because of distrust and dissatisfaction caused by inequality. Consequently, it is difficult for society to rule out hopelessness and indifference in the future of the young.

The new year 2020 (Lunar New Year) should be opening up new expectations and hopes. But the tasks that should have been resolved last year remain unresolved which does little to energize society. The social welfare community also has many challenges to solve. Social welfare critics point out that even if it takes time, accurate analysis of reality has to be preceded otherwise we have only short-term solutions.

Pope Francis is concerned about populism that results from state supremacy. Populism is a risk factor in our society that has brought Nazism and Fascism into world history, an attempt to make everything uniform works against the integration of society The Pope emphasizes the importance of dialogue and listening as a driving force in the fundamental process of solving problems relating to populism. Starting from the values ​​of "self-identity", Christian and Human values, ​​ the division can be healed by working together for the underprivileged,  children, the elderly, the sick, and young people deprived of hope.

The welfare policy for 2020 should be preceded by the establishment of a good delivery system to escape the stigma of wasting welfare spending. Accurate identification of beneficiaries and delivery can help ensure that people in need will receive the benefits.

In this context, dialogue needs to be a part of the populism emerging from the current political and economic situation. When attitudes and behaviors communicate, problems are solved, integration achieved.  Innovation takes place when positions are harmonized. To overcome divisions and conflicts and for a better welfare system rather than an inconvenient symbiosis, the welfare community needs to work together for change.