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Korea
Market Economy and Globalisation
Economic globalisation means market expansion not just geographically but now vertically - that is into new spheres such as mentality and spirituality. It also pushes itself towards a limitless competition not bounded by state, racial or cultural boundaries or ethical principles. The state has to be subordinate to the demand of capital. This means the destruction of families, migration, and illegal trafficking are written into the process and structure of globalisation. “Let the market decide,” is the cry, “it will be much faster and much more effective.” This undermines the value of spiritual life and faith.
The view that the business sector has to thrive at all costs leads people to think it is natural that society pays a high price for economic success. The desire of businesses to increase competitiveness leaves little room for compassion. There is no such thing as a fixed wage and a huge gap opens up between the CEO who is paid hundreds of millions of dollars annually and a part-time worker hired temporarily for a minimal wage. As a result we see increasingly unstable employment and job insecurity. In Korea, the problem of “non regular” workers is huge, but employers still demand flexibility in employment.
Unstable employment has direct effects on the relationship of family and community - this becomes unstable too. Flexible employment means joblessness can happen to any member and can lead to people migrating from home and their families to seek work elsewhere. Such indefinite separation will certainly harm their family’s integration and welfare.
Crisis and possibility of family
Despite these pressures, the family is still the foundation upon which migrant workers can preserve their identity and adapt to the new situation. In globalisation, family is the most important support the members can get. The Church must work to protect and help the family in such struggles and through its theology of a new expanded form of family, based on the community of those who want to actualise God’s will on earth, help open a new path beyond the commercialised competitive world view pushed forward in the process of economic globalisation.
Help from the Church - Shalom House
The Anglican Church of Korea has made a major response to the needs of migrants and refugee workers through the work of Shalom House. Located in the furniture-making district where many migrants work, Shalom House is on the same site as the Anglican church and the clergy house, and so speaks of the Church's commitment physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Shalom House offers support, advice and advocacy to migrants and also has special events. One of these is a Health Day when any migrant can call in and receive a free medical check and necessary medication. This service is provided by doctors and nurses who belong to the Anglican Church of Korea giving their time free at the weekend and is very popular with migrant workers.
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