This study examines the policymaking process related to the discontinuation of the Physical Education Bureau of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture in 1949, by focusing on the constraints on those involved. These aspects are summarized with reference to 2 points: constraints on participation, and constraints on selection.
First, regarding the constraints on participation, it is notable that a decision regarding the formulation of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture establishment act was taken at a meeting between Takashi Morita and Paul Webb. Others were prevented from participating in the policy-making forum on the drafting of the bill. Even for policy decisions concerning the Physical Education Bureau, Toshiro Azuma and William Neufeld were unable to have any influence. However, with regard to the establishment of the Health and Physical Education Council, professionals who were peripherally involved were able to participate in discussions related to its purpose and about the members.
Second, with regard to the constraints on selection, the following can be pointed out: Those who changed the direction of policymaking were Morita and Neufeld. Morita’s action was a policy reversal from establishment of the Physical Education Bureau to its discontinuation, and from the establishment of the Health and Welfare Bureau to its abandonment. The constraint occurred between the Physical Education Bureau, the Civil Information and Education Section, and the Ministry. Neufeld, as a Civil Information and Education Section official, irrespective of his intentions, had to chosen to discontinue the Physical Education Bureau.
The implications of this study can be summarized as follows: First, the process by which the those involved were constrained was clarified both empirically and structurally. This has provided a new historical insight into the formulation of postwar physical education policies by facilitating a structural grasp of the policymaking process involved, which led to the establishment of a policy network for postwar physical education and sport.
抄録全体を表示