Description

Japan is a rapidly ageing society with the world’s second longest life expectancy. The increase of the care burden has become a serious political issue. Since the implementation of the Long Term Care Taking Insurance in 2000, Japan has accumulated 16 years of experience. Recently the Japanese government has shifted its policy towards ageing in place and dying at home, which is welcomed by the elderly. But how can it be realized? I will examine this policy change in light of the practice of medical practitioners and care providers.

Light refreshment will be provided.

Dr. Chizuko Ueno is one of the most popular sociologists in Japan, who is well-known for her contributions in pioneering the field of gender studies in Japan. She is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, Specially Invited Professor at Ritsumeikan University, and President of the Non-Profit Organization Women’s Action Network (http://wan.or.jp/). Born in 1948, Dr. Ueno finished her Doctoral courses at Kyoto University, and later received her Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo. She has been invited to be a visiting professor at several universities across the globe, including University of British Columbia, Columbia University, Uni. Bonn, and El Colegio de Mexico. Dr. Ueno is a prolific writer both for academic and general public audiences, and some of her many books include: Patriarchy and Capitalism (1990), The Erotic Apparatus (1998), The Politics of Difference (2002), A Thought for Survival (2006), Misogyny in Japan (2010), and A Sociology of Care (2011). English translation is available for Nationalism and Gender (2004) and The Modern Family in Japan: Its Rise and Fall (2009, by Transpacific Press). Several of her books and papers have been translated into Chinese, Korean, French, and Spanish.

Dr. Sheila Neysmith’s scholarship focuses on feminist theory and praxis. She is interested in how knowledge is constructed and used in policies, programs, and praxis. The substantive area of her research for many years has been the paid and unpaid caring labour done by women. Related to these questions is her ongoing engagement with policy issues that affect women as they age. Her current research and writing examines how ageism impacts social policies and service systems – and thus the quality of women’s lives.