An inductive content analysis of international social welfare syllabi at national and public universities in Japan: Towards a glocal subject design

Abstract

ABSTRACT To address global and local issues, the development of education on international social work and international social welfare is required in Japan. This study aims to identify the trends in and content of subjects related to international social welfare at national and public universities in Japan and use the findings to develop subject design. National, prefectural and other public universities that offered subjects related to international social welfare (n = 11) were selected for a syllabi analysis. The objectives and goals of each subject and the content of each planned class were coded through inductive content analysis by using qualitative data analysis software (MAXQDA). Common perspectives and topics were found despite the varying subject content. The findings concerning subject objectives and goals indicated that sample syllabi tended to include a multifaceted perspective and a view of relativisation. Based on the findings, we developed a subject design that includes a ‘glocal’ perspective on international social work.