2021 年 15 巻 p. 30-42
This article probes the deliberative polling adopted in the process of reforming the entrance examination system in South Korea, a social issue that was hotly debated in 2017. The author overviews the current South Korean university entrance examination system, which comprises two predominant methods of evaluation (1) through nationwide examinations (大学修学能力試験) and (2) assessment via school records (学校生活記録簿). Conflicts stimulated by the Korean government’s new reform plan became a point of friction among the divided supporters of the two methods in 2017. The continuous controversies led to the adoption of Fishkin’s model of deliberative polling on the issue. The author investigates the process of deliberative polling, citing personal experiences of attending the polling conferences and referencing materials produced by the hosts and the government. Based upon the aforementioned sources, the author indicates certain defects in the South Korean example of deliberative polling, for instance, insufficient demographic representativeness or the inadequate application of the scenario workshop model. Further, the paper argues that the methods of applying the results to policymaking should be questioned for the creation of better policies that are harmonious with South Korean society.
