A Shrinking Society

Post-Demographic Transition in Japan

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Demography, Sociology
Cover of the book A Shrinking Society by Toshihiko Hara, Springer Japan
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Toshihiko Hara ISBN: 9784431548102
Publisher: Springer Japan Publication: November 14, 2014
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Toshihiko Hara
ISBN: 9784431548102
Publisher: Springer Japan
Publication: November 14, 2014
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This is the book to focus on a new phenomenon emerging in the twenty-first century: the rapidly aging and decreasing population of a well-developed country, namely, Japan. The meaning of this phenomenon has been successfully clarified as the possible historical consequence of the demographic transition from high birth and death rates to low ones. Japan has entered the post-demographic transitional phase and will be the fastest-shrinking society in the world, leading other Asian countries that are experiencing the same drastic changes. The author used the historical statistics, compiled by the Statistic Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2006 and population projections for released in 2012 by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, to show the past and future development of the dependency ratio from 1891 to 2060. Then, utilizing the population life table and net reproduction rate, the effects of increasing life expectancy and declining fertility on the dependency ratio were observed separately. Finally, the historical relationships among women’s survival rates at reproductive age, the theoretical fertility rate to maintain the replacement level and the recorded total fertility rate (TFR) were analyzed. Historical observation showed TFR adapting to the theoretical level of fertility with a certain time lag and corresponding to women’s survival rates at reproductive age. Women’s increasing lifespan and survival rates could have influenced decision making to minimize the risk of childbearing. Even if the theoretical fertility rate meets the replacement level, women’s views of minimizing the risk may remain unchanged because for women the cost–benefit imbalance in childbearing is still too high in Japan. Based on the findings, the author discusses the sustainability of Japanese society in relation to national finances, social security reform, family policies, immigration policies and community polices.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This is the book to focus on a new phenomenon emerging in the twenty-first century: the rapidly aging and decreasing population of a well-developed country, namely, Japan. The meaning of this phenomenon has been successfully clarified as the possible historical consequence of the demographic transition from high birth and death rates to low ones. Japan has entered the post-demographic transitional phase and will be the fastest-shrinking society in the world, leading other Asian countries that are experiencing the same drastic changes. The author used the historical statistics, compiled by the Statistic Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2006 and population projections for released in 2012 by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, to show the past and future development of the dependency ratio from 1891 to 2060. Then, utilizing the population life table and net reproduction rate, the effects of increasing life expectancy and declining fertility on the dependency ratio were observed separately. Finally, the historical relationships among women’s survival rates at reproductive age, the theoretical fertility rate to maintain the replacement level and the recorded total fertility rate (TFR) were analyzed. Historical observation showed TFR adapting to the theoretical level of fertility with a certain time lag and corresponding to women’s survival rates at reproductive age. Women’s increasing lifespan and survival rates could have influenced decision making to minimize the risk of childbearing. Even if the theoretical fertility rate meets the replacement level, women’s views of minimizing the risk may remain unchanged because for women the cost–benefit imbalance in childbearing is still too high in Japan. Based on the findings, the author discusses the sustainability of Japanese society in relation to national finances, social security reform, family policies, immigration policies and community polices.

More books from Springer Japan

Cover of the book Current Perspectives and Future Directions in Palliative Medicine by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Inflammation and Metastasis by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Interfirm Relationships and Trade Credit in Japan by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book In Pursuit of an African Green Revolution by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Atlas of Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book IgG4-Related Disease by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Fertility Decline and Background Independence by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Geometric Aspects of General Topology by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Bifurcation Theory for Hexagonal Agglomeration in Economic Geography by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Targeted Genome Editing Using Site-Specific Nucleases by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book The Liver in Systemic Diseases by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Reduced Port Laparoscopic Surgery by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Tropical Peatland Ecosystems by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Freshwater Management by Toshihiko Hara
Cover of the book Schwann Cell Development and Pathology by Toshihiko Hara
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy