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Non-regular employment in Japan: continued and renewed dualities

Author

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  • Arjan B. Keizer

    (University of Bradford a.b.keizer@bradford.ac.uk)

Abstract

Previous analyses of Japanese employment practices have often focused almost exclusively on regular employment, relegating non-regular employment to a role as employment buffer. However, recent years have seen a rise in non-regular employment which requires a renewed analysis of its role and importance. This article provides such an analysis and presents two major findings. First, it argues that a renewed duality in the labour market indicates important advantages to non-regular employment, not just in terms of flexibility, as suggested by previous interpretations and dual labour market theories, but mostly in terms of costs. However, the importance of this advantage differs between industries. Second, the article discusses the consequences of this duality. It argues particularly that the duality constrains the employment opportunities for women in spite of regulatory changes to strengthen their position. The article concludes with general insights into labour market dualism.

Suggested Citation

  • Arjan B. Keizer, 2008. "Non-regular employment in Japan: continued and renewed dualities," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 22(3), pages 407-425, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:22:y:2008:i:3:p:407-425
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017008093478
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Georg D. BLIND & Stefania LOTTANTI VON MANDACH, 2015. "Decades not Lost, but Won: Increased Employment, Higher Wages, and More Equal Opportunities in the Japanese Labour Market," Social Science Japan Journal, University of Tokyo and Oxford University Press, vol. 18(1), pages 63-88.
    2. W. R. Garside, 2012. "Japan’s Great Stagnation," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 14624.
    3. Jonathan Morris & Rick Delbridge & Takahiro Endo, 2018. "The Layering of Meso‐Level Institutional Effects on Employment Systems in Japan," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 56(3), pages 603-630, September.
    4. Hiroaki Richard Watanabe, 2015. "Neoliberal reform for greater competitiveness: labour market deregulation in Japan and Italy," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(1), pages 54-76, January.
    5. Gregory Jackson, 2016. "Toward a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Institutional Change in Japanese Capitalism: Structural Transformations and Organizational Diversity," Working Papers halshs-01643921, HAL.

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