New Books in Sociology Arvid J. Lukauskas and Yumiko Shimabukuro, "Misery Beneath the Miracle in East Asia" (Cornell UP, 2024)
Feb 7, 2025
Dr. Arvid J. Lukauskas, a political economy expert at Columbia University, and Dr. Yumiko Shimabukuro expose the overlooked social tragedies in East Asia's economic landscape. They dive into pressing issues like elderly poverty, emphasizing a shocking 40% poverty rate among seniors in South Korea. The guests challenge conventional success narratives by discussing inadequate labor policies and low wages, while shedding light on alarming child abuse rates and housing crises. Their multidisciplinary approach advocates for a deeper understanding of social welfare amidst economic growth.
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The Overlooked Social Costs of the East Asian Miracle
- The "East Asian Miracle" narrative overlooks social welfare crises.
- The authors challenge this view by highlighting issues like low wages, child abuse, and inadequate housing.
A Multifaceted Approach to Understanding Social Welfare
- The authors combine big-picture analysis with human stories to examine social welfare crises in East Asia.
- Their interdisciplinary approach incorporates economics, political science, sociology, and other fields.
The Pitfalls of Productivism
- "Productivism" prioritizes economic growth over social welfare, leading to underfunded programs and neglect of vulnerable groups.
- Vested interests perpetuate this system, hindering meaningful reforms.
