ABSTRACT
Over the last 10 years, as a result of the burst of the bubble economy and the introduction of neo-liberal economic policies, many Japanese have moved from long-term and stable employment to shorter-term, less secure and lower-paid jobs. The market deregulation initiated in the last decade with the aim of creating a more flexible and cheaper labour force has led to the polarization of the labour market: middle-aged male workers have managed to retain traditional permanent employment, but most women, young people and temporary workers are concentrated in low-wage and insecure jobs. Increasing unemployment and a shrinking job market, together with passive social welfare policies, have posed a grave risk to the public’s sense of security and prospects for a decent life.
