Perceptions of Punishment Severity in South Korea: The Interplay of Legal Socialization and Political Orientation

• In Event: Perspectives on Crime and Justice in an International Context

Abstract

The impact of legal socialization within legal contexts has been extensively documented. However, despite the recognized influence of social, political, and cultural factors on legal socialization, research on this process in non-legal and non-Western settings remains limited. To address this gap, the present study examines the effect of legal socialization on perceptions of punishment severity, with political orientation as a moderating factor, within the Korean context. Using cross-sectional data from a South Korean adult sample (N = 3,145), ordinary least squares regression analysis was conducted. The results indicate that legal socialization significantly influences perceptions of punishment severity, and that political orientation moderates this relationship. Additionally, the findings highlight the critical role of legal education during adolescence. Overall, this study underscores the impact of legal socialization on individuals' beliefs about the criminal justice system and the moderating role of political orientation.

Author

• Alice J. Kim, University of Florida