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Between policy and practice: Japan's Silver Human Resource Centers as viewed from the inside
1Institute of Social Science, University of Toyko, Japan.
Journal of Aging & Social Policy
|December 9, 1995
Summary
Silver Human Resource Centers (SHRC) in Japan help seniors find jobs. While members appreciate the centers, their evaluations reveal a gap between services and guidelines, particularly regarding gender roles in employment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Policy
Background:
- Established in 1980, Silver Human Resource Centers (SHRC) in Japan aim to meet the economic and psychological needs of an aging population.
- These centers facilitate local employment opportunities and provide remuneration for services rendered by senior citizens.
- SHRCs are widespread across Japan, indicating their established role in supporting the elderly workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the discrepancies between SHRC members' perceptions and the official guidelines of the centers.
- To analyze the underlying reasons for senior participation in SHRC programs.
- To examine the influence of gender and social class on program engagement and planning.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis comparing member evaluations with published center literature and administrator interviews.
- Exploration of participant motivations for joining the SHRC program.
- Assessment of member satisfaction and identification of gender and social class disparities in program participation and design.
Main Results:
- A significant gap exists between how SHRC members evaluate the centers and the centers' stated guidelines.
- Member participation is driven by economic and psychological needs, but assessments reveal areas for improvement.
- Gender and social class differences were observed in program planning and participation dynamics.
Conclusions:
- While new Ministry of Labor directions for SHRCs acknowledge some member concerns, they fail to address the deeply ingrained gendered division of labor in Japan.
- The study highlights the need for policy reforms that not only meet seniors' needs but also challenge societal norms regarding employment and gender.
- Further research is needed to understand and dismantle structural barriers affecting senior participation and equitable opportunities within the SHRC framework.