Paper short abstract:

This study probes agency measurement in closed societies like North Korea. Despite control mechanisms, societal shifts post-famine hint at altered gender roles and emergent markets. Divided ideologies complicate measurement amid varied perceptions. The study delves into philosophical dimensions and challenges of assessing agency amidst divergent societal perspectives.

Paper long abstract:

The concept of agency, particularly within closed societies like North Korea, poses intricate questions about individual autonomy and societal constraints. Agency, defined as the capacity of individuals to act according to their own beliefs and values, becomes challenging to measure when people operate within rigid ideological frameworks. In North Korea, a closed authoritarian state often likened to an Owenian panopticon, the government exerts pervasive control through various channels including public education, political indoctrination, and community surveillance systems. Despite these controls, evidence post the mid-1990s famine suggests shifts in North Korean society, notably the emergence of autonomous markets and changes in gender roles due to domestic and transborder migration. These shifts signal a nuanced evolution within North Korean society, where traditional ideologies coexist with emerging market principles.

In examining North Korean society, it becomes evident that diverse perceptions and belief systems shape individual agency and responses to social change. While some embrace market principles, others adhere steadfastly to established norms propagated by the ruling regime since the inception of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This diversity underscores the complex interplay between Asiatic rights, emphasizing collective welfare, and Western notions of human rights, which prioritize individual liberties. Amidst these contrasting ideologies, the measurement of agency assumes significance, yet proves challenging given the multitude of perspectives and the inherent limitations of closed societies.

Exploring ontological and philosophical considerations of agency, as articulated by scholars like Walter Johnson in "On Agency," provides insight into the complexities inherent in measuring individual autonomy within constrained environments. The capability approach, which emphasizes the importance of agency in enhancing human well-being and societal development, offers a lens through which to understand the dynamics of change in closed societies like North Korea. Despite the complexities and challenges associated with measuring agency, its exploration remains crucial for understanding social dynamics, promoting human rights, and fostering meaningful dialogue on the future trajectory of closed societies.