The Socialization of Care in View of the Socialization of Adult Guardianship: The Impact of Occupational Professionalization on the Family

Abstract

In the past fifteen years, adult guardianship has become a specialist profession. How did this socialization of adult guardianship happen and what is its impact on the family? How does one evaluate it from the perspective of the socialization of care? This paper highlights findings from an interview survey carried out in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, to provide answers to these questions.
Extensive use of adult guardianship is based on the demands of social agencies and firms in the private sector. Meanwhile, family courts have recognized the risk of fraud posed by family guardians and have requested the involvement of third-party guardians to address this. Eligibility for guardianship gives working power as an administrator of property, thereby creating an occupational professionalization.
Families, therefore, have again been burdened with professional guardian adjustment costs, guardianship fees, and other aspects outside the remit of adult guardianship as a result of this socialization. The socialization of adult guardianship has thus been achieved by making more demands on the family.