Intersectionality and differentiated citizenship: migrant care workers in Japan

Abstract

Japan started to accept migrant care workers since 2008 under the Economic Partnership Agreement with Southeast Asian countries. In 2017, it has been expanded to two more new models of employment. This study aims to situate migrant care workers, who work under three employment models entailing differing credentials, training requirements and citizenship status and examine how the social categories of gender, ethnicity, class, language and immigration status intersect and operate in the workplace. The underlying mechanisms of exclusion and inclusion of the migrant care workers as well as who is considered as an ‘ideal’ care worker will be examined.