2024 Volume 21 Pages 13-29
Since 2000, family studies in Japan have revealed disparities in children’s life course based on social class. These disparities stem from factors such as single parenthood, poverty, and low income. However, a recent surge in college-educated dual-income couples, coupled with a decrease in women’s childbearing retirements, has led to a widening of societal disparities, particularly among the middle class in Japan. These new inequalities have emerged as unintended consequences of gender equality policies and the promotion of work-life balance. It is contended in this study that Welfare Sociology research should focus on identifying and analyzing these unforeseen outcomes of social policies.
