This paper examines the limitations of discussing the problem of poverty from a hierarchical perspective only (hierarchical poverty theory). In addition, it demonstrates the importance of class-based arguments (class-based poverty theory). Committing to a hierarchical debate indicates an attitude that excludes a capital–labor relationship perspective when debating about issues related to poverty. This paper considers the following negative aspects of a hierarchical theory of poverty: (1) its inability to criticize the self-responsibility theory of poverty; (2) its inability to resist the logic of “governance” by capital but rather showing a tendency to encourage it; and (3) its inability to relativize value norms in favor of capital but rather showing a tendency to encourage it. In contrast, class-based poverty theory has the potential to overcome these problems. By discussing these possibilities, we can contribute to the social movement for the fundamental eradication of poverty.

In this paper, discourse formation and characteristics of self-reliance in Japan’s public assistance system in the 1940s and 1950s were examined. Three types of self-reliance were revealed. The first type of self-reliance refers to meaning that operates in the labor market and realizes financial self-help. The second type of self-reliance is related to performing an activity in the labor market or in social welfare facilities and asserts that it is imperative for individuals to be integrated into such places. The third type means that individuals have the freedom to perform various activities and it is viewed in conjunction with the advocacy of enhancing income security as an option to guarantee these activities. Based on the discourse analysis, we revealed that ambiguity is a characteristic of self-reliance. In addition, we proposed the following hypotheses: first, there was a historical development of the idea of self-reliance, which was grounded in the perceptions of each actor, and second, the establishment of welfare policies depended on the interrelationships between these actors.

The purpose of this study was to compare the analytical frameworks as the background of policy studies that both Professor Emeritus (late) Susumu Takahima and Professor Emeritus Ryu Niki developed so as to clarify their different perspectives and dynamism. A close examination of their debates related to policy studies revealed one central aspect:their agreements and disagreements cantered fundamentally on their attitudes toward recognizing a vital significance of social theory through ideological critique as an alternative. As such, while Professor Takashima attempted to discover that hidden oppression originated from social services provided by the welfare state in relation to a communist perspective that could establish the longstanding struggle arena for the general public, Professor Niki paid attention to practicality that contributed directly to implementing policies in service provisions in relation to a pragmatist perspective that could eventually help his proposals to be placed on the state’s political agendas.

This study examines exceptional foster parent villages in Chiba Prefecture between 1953 and the 1970s. When the problem of exceptional children connecting to adults became serious for various reasons including the age of the facilities for mentally retarded children, exceptional children were entrusted to exceptional foster parents who involved them in agricultural work to enhance their independence. The purpose of this study was to explore the background of the establishment of these exceptional foster parent villages, enrollment process, and exceptional foster parents’ fostering as well as to clarify their roles and limitations with regard to the problem of exceptional children. Exceptional foster parent villages became a place for providing care and aftercare. They also played a significant intermediary role among facilities, homes and society, and of connecting exceptional children to compulsory education. However, if the exceptional children were unable to find employment, it was expected of the exceptional foster parents to become contractors in a Japanese-style colony that would take care of the children. The rearing practices in exceptional foster parent villages indicate the limitations of the foster parent system in postwar Japan and the responsibilities and burden shouldered by volunteers.

The purpose of this study was to develop a follow-up model of family psycho-education for psychiatric disabilities based on previous research and practices, and to investigate the validity and feasibility of the follow-up model. The follow-up model was developed through a workshop with practitioners of family psycho-education as well as interviews with families whose relatives had mental illnesses. We examined the validity and feasibility of the model by administering a questionnaire to family psycho-education specialists. The model comprised three sections:the first, Process of contact and intervention, which included 16 components, evaluated concrete methods for follow-up; the second, Implementation system, which had three components, evaluated ways of developing an organization and network that were vital for implementing the follow-up; and the third, Principle, which consisted of three components, evaluated an organization’s awareness of follow-up. To a certain degree, this model was confirmed to be valid and feasible. Components with low feasibility were found particularly in self-help groups and support network. Three strategies to enhance feasibility were suggested:implementing effective family psycho-education, sharing awareness of supporting family self-help among practitioners, and developing multi-disciplinary and multi-center support networks.

Since the 1990s, the problem of poverty has increased because of employment instability and aging. However, the social security system has lost focus of its original object. In addition, the social scientific object recognition of medical social workers appears to be declining as the discharge support work expands due to medical system reforms.

In this study, we clarified the actual conditions of persons eligible for discharge support by employing quantitative case studies in order to define the current target of medical welfare. Many of the clients experienced poverty due to low income and social isolation problems. These were regulated at work rather than caused by illness. Life problems are formed in multiple layers as defined by lower social layers. If individuals also suffer illness, their lives are further reduced in a vicious cycle of illness and poverty. The problem of poverty due to a low income, which is inevitably created by the social hierarchy of modern society, is a central concern for medical welfare.

In this study, interviews with four supporters were conducted to clarify the current status and issues related to support for older adults who have experienced the criminal justice system. Support that they deemed necessary and the issues that arose in that support were classified into three categories: need for flexible support that does not limit the target, lack of support that allows one to continue living in the community, and issues involved in co-ordinating social resources and co-operation. Various types of support were provided by private organizations including support for those who do not fit into the framework of the system, support in daily life including meal provision, and the creation of a physical location for regular contact between parties. However, some difficulties in the process of co-ordinating social resources and co-operation were encountered.

The purpose of this study was to examine how organization development that employs Appreciative Inquiry (AI) can deal with human process problems and building corporate creeds in social welfare organizations as well as to discuss the meaning of this practice in social welfare organizations through a case study. The case study found that managers and team leaders in a nursing home for individuals with disabilities learned AI from the author and practiced AI in workshops in which the nursing home staff and other stakeholders participated. The findings revealed the ideal staff and image of the nursing home, the improvement in the processes of the workplace, organizational strengths, dreams and ideals, and how AI and the individuals’ learning was transferred to their activities. The author discussed one aspect of development:the managers’ awareness of the system, and the psychological safety in the workplace. The author concluded that organization development and AI can handle process problems that affect management. Furthermore, AI can be employed to build corporate creeds that take advantage of stakeholders’ participation. The and including the past and present strengths of the organization.