Public Attitudes toward Globalization: The Case of South Korea

• In Event: 479 - Section on Global and Transnational Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 13. Global Attitudes

Abstract

How are attitudes towards nationalism related to attitudes toward globalization? This question, posed in the context of global proliferation of neoliberalism, enables us to understand how nationalism becomes a powerful reality through individual attitudes. Defining nationalism as individual attitudes and operationalizing a multi-dimensional definition of globalization, this paper demonstrates the explanatory power of attitudes toward nationalism. Using the representative data from South Korea, this study finds that attitudes toward nationalism are a significant predictor of attitudes toward globalization. Individuals with positive attitudes toward nationalism are more likely to prefer not only protective policies but also openness regarding globalization. Findings support an argument that nationalists have ambivalent motivations for and against globalization. Findings about control variables such as education, age, and sex are consistent with previous studies. It is also noteworthy that the demographic variables and political orientation have almost the same explanatory power as the variables about self-interest. The implications of findings are also discussed.

Author

• Soon Seok Park, Purdue University