Local Community Child and Childcare Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

Based on Interview Surveys in a Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic had various effects on children and the women caring for them. Simultaneously, it necessitated changes in child and childcare support in local communities. Using interview surveys with the staff members of the children's hall, of the district social welfare council, and of the nonprofit organization making “ibasho” in a metropolitan municipality, this study aims to provide a composite examination of how supporters in different positions perceived and responded to the problem.

The analysis suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic's negative effects may have had a certain universality. However, the changes on management brought about by the pandemic had some positive effects, such as encouraging users who could not come before to come to a place where support was offered. Further, this study presents three important findings concerning norms of care. First, one of the subjects expressed a dilemma about the fact that disinfection work occupied a large part of their daily activity. This can be interpreted as a conflict caused by the discrepancy between “weak care” and “strong care” by supporters. Second, the supporters' “bridging” role was important, especially for parents who were wary of professional assessments. This wariness maybe related to the norms regarding parental roles in Japanese society, which has a strong familial structure. And third, such “bridging” roles can solve problems of professional assessments.