Work

Legal Mobilization and the Transformation of State—Society Relations in South Korea in the Realm of Disability Policy

Year: 2021

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: Since the 1990s, South Koreans have gained better access to the courts as a channel for pursuing social and policy change. In particular, Koreans with disabilities began using the courts to challenge discrimination, enforce their rights, and influence policymaking. Through qualitative comparative analysis of recent legal mobilization by Koreans with disabilities, this chapter investigates factors that influence when and why people mobilize the law. Drawing on sociolegal and social movement theories, it shows that explanations focused on evolving legal opportunity structures – encompassing procedural rules, statutes, and legal interpretations – can only partly explain changing patterns in legal mobilization. Explanations should also consider the ‘support structures’ for legal mobilization: lawyers, advocacy organizations, and funding.

Source: Routledge eBooks

Parent work: Civil Society and the State in Democratic East Asia: Between Entanglement and Contention in Post High Growth

DOI: 10.5117/9789463723930_ch12

Author: Celeste L. Arrington

Institution: George Washington University

Language: English

Topic: Disability Rights and Representation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid