About the inquiry

The compelling question for this inquiry calls on students to consider whether conglomerates are good for the economy. Specifically, this focused inquiry is a case study of South Korean conglomerations, known as chaebols. After the Korean War, large sums of money were given to a handful of corporations (Samsung, Lotte, Hyundai, Daewoo, etc.) in order to spur economic growth in the South. The chaebols, including Samsung, Hyundai, and Daewoo, would play an important role in spurring economic growth by focusing on the export of cheap electroinc goods. At the same time, these chaebols were protected by the government because of the belief that they were “too big to fail.” Currently, corrupt business practices by chaebol leaders have led some Koreans to question whether or not chaebols should be dismantled. In this focused inquiry, students will work with a variety of sources in order to answer whether or not such conglomerates or chaebols are good for the economy. Although the focus of this inquiry is on Korean conglomerates, this examination has students wrestle with the idea of how countries should develop economically.

Compelling Question

Are Conglomerates Good for the Economy?

Staging Question

Examine a set of economic datagraphics and create a claim about the the economic health of the Republic of Korea.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Are conglomerates good for the economy? Use evidence to construct a claim and a counterclaim that address the compelling question.

Extension: Use gapminder.org to research the impact of South Korea’s economic boom on its society, health, environment, education, and infrastructure in order to revise or strengthen your argument.

Taking Informed Action

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