Colloquium in August 2023
Joohee Lee (Professor, Dept. of Sociology, Ewha Womans Univ., South Korea)
While a significant amount of research has been undertaken regarding discrimination, there has been limited understanding of its impact on those being discriminated against. A prominent characteristic of discrimination in Korea is the devaluation of social minorities seen as lacking “capabilities,” which is used to rationalize discriminatory actions and exacerbates conflicts among the targeted groups. This can divert attention away from the systemic discrimination prevalent in Korean society and dampen the emotional responses and resistance of those experiencing discrimination. The book titled “Discrimination and the Social Structures of Emotion” examines how organizations, nation, and ideologies interact with one another reinforcing their respective discriminatory attributes. Through this exploration, the book delves into the underpinnings of various emotions felt by those subjected to discrimination, categorized as “resignation,” “conformism,” and “hatred.” This book advocates for the extended concept of freedom and puts forth policy recommendations, including anti-discrimination legislation and universal basic income and services, aimed at disseminating the ethos of equity throughout Korean society.
