2022 Theses Doctoral

Pro-Work Reforms and Economic Adjustment: The Case of the North Korean Defector Settlement Support System

Han, Sam

This dissertation includes three papers on pro-work reforms of the North Korean Defector Settlement Support System (NKDSSS) and the economic adjustment of the North Korean Defectors (NKDs) in South Korea. Paper 1 analyzes changes in benefit levels caused by the pro-work reforms to the NKDSSS and differences in the total benefit levels across groups, classified by the ability to work, employment status, and income level. Paper 2 examines the causal effect of the pro-work reforms on the NKDs’ economic adjustment. Paper 3 evaluates the association between the NKDs’ human capital and welfare receipt.