(Purpose) The aim of this study is to analyze the core topics of academic papers relating to affirmative action in education published in Korea, to identify major issues underlying affirmative action programs being applied at central and local level, and to put forward the future directions by which central and local governments can effectively support the socially disadvantaged students so that they can maximize their potentials in the society. (Design/methodology/approach) This study employs text-mining analysis method, which is widely used in the field of social sciences today. In particular, this study utilizes cloud analysis method, ego-network analysis method, and PFnet analysis. (Findings) On the basis of the analysis results, the study aims to derive the implications for the direction of future affirmative action policy in education from a Korean perspective. From the analysis, five topics were derived, which furnish the main policy issues relating to affirmative action in education. They are: special screening; court judgments on affirmative action; development of subjects for educational services as a goal; people-centred policy; and the quota system as a means. It implies that these five topics need to be taken into consideration in making policies regarding the affirmative action programs in the field of education in Korea, especially at junior and high school level. (Research implications or Originality) It is desirable to achieve the educational policy goals through the quota system. However, if the quota system is given too much weight, this may lead to the retreat of meritocracy in society and the collapse of the competitive system in the free market economy. It is expected that in the future, at least in the field of education, even if special screening is applied in selecting students this will not become a legal problem and will be accepted by the public.
Ⅰ. Introduction
Ⅱ. Theoretical Discussion
Ⅲ. Survey Design
Ⅳ. Analysis
Ⅴ. Conclusion
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