UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE A ECONOMIA SUL-COREANA SOB A ÓTICA DO CRESCIMENTO PRÓ-POBRE ENTRE 2010 E 2022

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze whether South Korea's institutions have been effective in combating income inequality and poverty in recent history, particularly from 2010 to 2022. To achieve this, the method used involves conducting a literature review on public policies aimed at reducing social problems, highlighting some that have contributed to the country's growth and development. To measure and analyze the country's poverty and inequality, the Gini index and the Lorenz curve were considered. The results indicate that during the studied period (2010-2022), South Korea experienced growth that favored lower classes, as concluded by applying the "ProPoor Growth" methodology, demonstrating continuous benefits of economic growth for the poorest classes in South Korea. This suggests that current institutions have been effective in addressing social issues. The Gini index showed a decline, indicating reduced income inequality. Regarding poverty measurement, despite significant challenges in combating poverty in South Korea, especially among the elderly, there has been significant progress over the last decade, contrary to critics' views on South Korea's growth. Although several public policies were ineffective in addressing poverty among the elderly population, policies responsible for recent and previous growth in South Korea with an impact on social problems were identified. It was possible to conclude that these policies were effective in addressing the identified social problems, although challenges remain, particularly among the elderly population. Finally, future studies should measure growth elasticity and income elasticity, consider a longer time horizon, and employ non-quantitative factors to measure poverty and inequality.