ABSTRACT

This book illustrates the risks that accompany the changing life course in various Asian countries (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Cambodia) and the responses of policymakers. Significant demographic changes have occurred in recent years, including the increased labour market participation of (especially young) women, a rapidly aging population, declining marriage and fertility rates, and shrinking family size. Sometimes the policy measures introduced to address these changes produce secondary risks: for example, policies to abolish compulsory retirement might cause problems for youth employment and career development. This book describes the changing social, economic, and policy contexts, as well as the individual aspirations and decisions, that have fostered these changes. All the chapters address the existing and emerging risks in individual and interpersonal relationships, both familial and societal. Measures have been adopted at the societal level (by governments) and the individual level (by individual conscious efforts) to manage current risks.