Intersectionality and differentiated citizenship: migrant care workers in Japan

Abstract

Japan started to accept migrant care workers since 2008 under the Economic Partnership Agreement with Southeast Asian countries. In 2017, it has been expanded to two more new models of employment. This study aims to situate migrant care workers, who work under three employment models entailing differing credentials, training requirements and citizenship status and examine how the social categories of gender, ethnicity, class, language and immigration status intersect and operate in the workplace. The underlying mechanisms of exclusion and inclusion of the migrant care workers as well as who is considered as an ‘ideal’ care worker will be examined.

Keywords:

• Migration
• care work
• intersectionality
• Japan

Notes

1. Please see Gaikokujin kaigo jinzai no ukeire no arikata ni kansuru kentōkai [Discussion on how to accept migrant care workers] http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/shingi/other-syakai.html?tid=225506 Last accessed 25 September, 2017.

2. Noted from the fieldwork in Taiwan since 2012 to present.

3. JLPT is a Japanese language test administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational and Exchanges Services since 1984. It comprises five levels of proficiency, of which N5 is the lowest.