Regulation of Care Work under Marketization

: Comparing Payments for Family Care by Long―term Care Insurance between Korea and Japan

Abstract

Cash for care schemes have been introduced with the development of the marketization of care in many developed countries, with important implications for the regulation of care work. In both Korea and Japan, however, cash benefits have not developed into a major benefit option with the rise of marketization because of the introduction of long-term care insurance systems. In spite of this similarity, there are major differences between Korea and Japan with regard to payments for care work undertaken by family members. This article compares Korea and Japan by focusing on their cash for care schemes, especially payments for care provided by family members. Firstly, by referring to previous studies, the article addresses analytical frames regarding cash for care schemes as a form of regulation of care work under marketization. Secondly, based on field work conducted in Korea in 2016, a comparative analysis is conducted on institutional settings, performance, and issues regarding payment for care work handled by family members under long-term care insurance. Lastly, the article discusses similarities and differences in the regulation of care work between Korea and Japan, and the resulting implications for international discussion on the regulation of care work under marketization.