Current Situation and Challenges of Inequality in Society: Overcoming Social Divisions towards the Post-COVID-19 Era
ONLINE SEMINAR
MARCH 8, 2023
As labor problems become more universal with the advance of globalization in recent years, there is a growing need for international comparative research in the formulation of labor policy. It was with this in mind that the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training (JILPT) held “the 6th JILPT Tokyo Comparative Labor Policy Seminar” online on March 8, 2023. The aim of the Seminar was to provide an opportunity for researchers from major countries and regions, particularly the Asia Pacific, and conduct a comparative examination of their challenges.
The 6th Tokyo seminar focused on addressing disparities and inequalities that have emerged as significant challenges within socio-economic development, while also delving into their historical origins. Through comparative analyses of the current situations and challenges faced by different countries and regions, participants engaged in discussions aimed at charting the future direction of labor policies to effectively overcome these social divisions.
The Seminar started with two keynote lectures delivered by Prof. María Emilia Casas Baamonde, President of the International Society for Labour and Social Security Law (ISLSSL), and Dr. Michele TUCCIO, Economist, Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD. In the following two sessions chaired by Prof. Chikako KANKI the University of Tokyo, and Prof. Hiromi HARA, Meiji University, nine researchers from New Zealand, China, Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia made presentations on the situation of inequality and the future direction of labor policies to overcome disparities and social divisions in respective countries. The concluding session was moderated by Prof. Takashi Araki of the University of Tokyo.
In our discussions, we placed a greater emphasis on the overall realities of inequality, shifting focus from individual issues such as women in the workforce, new forms of work, and the impacts of COVID-19, which were addressed in previous seminars. Presentations highlighted disparities stemming from different employment statuses, including regular versus non-regular employment, formal sectors versus informal sectors, as well as inequalities based on gender, age, urban versus rural locations, and the size of enterprises. Additionally, issues related to social class and discrimination were raised, illustrating the diverse perspectives encompassed by the concept of “social division.”
Moreover, COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing challenges, rendering vulnerable populations even more precarious, particularly those lacking social protection. It was noted that this situation has further widened the gap between workers in secure positions, such as regular employees, and those in precarious positions. Regarding platform businesses, while they offer employment opportunities, there were concerns raised about inadequate protection for workers in these sectors, making their evaluation challenging.
In light of the aforementioned situation, there was an emphasis on the necessity to establish a social safety net through policy measures and to explore protection via collective labor relations channels. Additionally, the importance of initiatives aimed at reducing inequality through education and training was underscored.
With insightful keynote lectures by ISLSSL President Baamonde and Dr. TUCCIO of OECD, alongside presentations from 9 Asian countries, and notable comments from chairpersons, followed by summary remarks by Prof. Araki, the 6th Tokyo Comparative Labor Policy Seminar successfully offered rich comparative insights and policy suggestions for overcoming social divisions towards the post-COVID-19 era.