Policy network in a bill proposal process: social network analysis after the #MeToo Movement

• In Event: New Approaches in Social Network Research: Theory, Methods, and Applications - Open Call Paper Session

Abstract

The #MeToo movement started in the United States and quickly became as a global trend signified a significant moment in the public dialogue surrounding sexual violence and the accountability of institutions. In South Korea, this movement has not only altered public conversation but has also led to notable changes in the realm of policy-making. As public dissatisfaction with institutional inaction intensified, the number of sexual violence-related bills introduced in the National Assembly noticeably increased. This legislative surge represents more than just an increase in numbers; it indicates a shift in how lawmakers perceive and address feminist issues in the country. Traditionally, sexual violence legislation in South Korea has been primarily advocated by progressive lawmakers, often associated with broader social justice movements.
However, the period following the #MeToo movement has demonstrated that sexual violence and minority protection are no longer framed as progressive concerns. Instead, these issues began to be recognized as universal policy agendas with cross-partisan resonance. Recent research in the Korean context supports this observation, showing that lawmakers from both progressive and conservative parties actively engage in the legislative process following heightened societal awareness. Similarly, U.S.-based studies show that bipartisan coalitions have emerged around gender-based violence issues, particularly when framed as institutional responsibility and public safety. In this context, political co-sponsorship provides insights into the relational dynamics of policymaking. By examining who sponsors bills together and how these patterns evolve over time, I can reveal the structure of legislative coalitions and identify the actors who play crucial roles in shaping the agendas.
This study seeks to explore how the structure of these networks changed after the #MeToo movement, who emerged as central figures within these networks, and who acted as intermediaries connecting otherwise disconnected parts of the legislative field. This study enhances our understanding of institutional feminism, symbolic politics, and the spread of feminist ideas through legislative networks. By concentrating on actual co-sponsorship patterns, this research avoids relying solely on discourse or ideology and instead maps concrete shifts in legislative behavior.

Authors

• Gayoung Choi, Yonsei University

• Hyunsuh Cho