EXPLORING YOUTH IRREGULAR EMPLOYMENT IN JAPAN DURING COVID-19: A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
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Date
2021
Authors
Uptegrove, Manami
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Irregular employment, in contrast to the expected regular (fulltime and long-term) employment, has made up a significant part of Japan’s work force since the 1990s. By examining quantitative and qualitative data showcasing historic and current mistreatment and devaluation of irregular workers and displaying them as inferior to regular workers, one can observe the lack of urgency by both business leaders and policy makers towards assisting irregular workers in a situation like COVID-19 that has negative impacts on all. Through the visible disparities between these types of workers, this thesis argues how societal and political views of irregular workers overall, of young irregular workers in particular, along with the resulting decisions made in combatting labor related issues, are harmful to the wellbeing of individuals during COVID-19 and are detrimental to making major long-term changes to Japan’s work styles and labor force. It is especially important to address these issues during a time of prevalent feelings of precarity and uncertainty towards the current labor force crisis during national discussions of what to do about Japan’s “hyper aging society” and about crises caused by the COVD-19 pandemic.
Description
76 pages
Keywords
COVID-19, Japan, Irregular Employment, Youth Employment