연금 개혁에 대한 경제적 인식과 수용 의향: 제도 신뢰와 위험 인식의 역할

Economic Perceptions and Acceptance Intentions of Pension Reform: The Role of Institutional Trust and Risk Perception

Purpose - This study empirically analyzes how information awareness levels affect the MZ generation’s acceptance of national pension reform and provides strategic implications for future pension education and policy communication frameworks targeting young adults in Korea. Design/Methodology/Approach - A survey was conducted among 305 students at K University in Seoul in 2024. Respondents were classified by self-assessed information awareness levels (“well-informed”, “heard announcement only”, and “poorly informed”), and policy acceptance was measured through reform evaluation, preferred reform direction, and generational representation perception. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression. Findings - Higher information awareness was significantly correlated with more positive reform evaluations (p < 0.05) and stronger support for “pay more, receive more” approaches. Better-informed respondents showed more favorable perceptions that reforms reflect younger generation interests. However, general institutional knowledge did not necessarily translate into stronger generational representation perceptions, suggesting specific reform information plays a more direct role than general system awareness in policy acceptance. Research Implications - Results demonstrate that enhancing pension reform acceptance requires systematic educational strategies beyond promotional campaigns. Drawing from successful models like Sweden’s “Orange Envelope” system and Germany’s generational contract principles, the study suggests institutionalizing youth participation mechanisms, implementing generation-specific educational programs, and establishing intergenerational dialogue frameworks are essential for sustainable pension reform and long-term social consensus in Korea.