In Fulfillment of Motherhood: An Exploratory Study of Migrant Mothers on Welfare in Japan

Abstract

The paper primarily aims to (1) highlight the profile, perceptions, and politics of using seikatsu hogo (living subsidy allowance) of Filipino migrant mothers whose everincreasing participation in the labor sector and society has inevitably shaped the public's expectations on family-related and welfare policies of Japan, (2) locate, through their subjective experiences as consumers, the impact of seikatsu hogo on their lives as non-citizens who are currently reconfiguring the Japanese family and society. This study utilizes life vignettes obtained from in-depth interviews with (30) Filipino mothers residing and leading their family in Tokyo. It also illustrates that Filipino migrant mothers are, in the existing dual welfare hierarchies vis-à-vis Japanese and other migrants, occupants of the lowest tier. Beyond dichotomization between Japanese and non-Japanese poor, Filipino mothers are further fragmented in terms of how welfare support reconfigures family life. While some regard it as a status determinant, others claim it as a resource for socioeconomic empowerment. Their politics of welfare use intersects with the politics of family relations in which Filipino mothers value parenthood over marriage. Family relations reinforce family solidarity through migrant mothers' "best mother" and "model adult citizen" aspirations. As Japan grapples with exacerbating demographic problems and economic stagnation, it may have to reconsider facilitating migration and view immigrant women as potential source of labor force. However, in making women, citizens, and non-citizens, more visible in the labor market, welfare policies should vigorously work toward allowing them to balance work and family life by having greater access to childcare.

Settling for Welfare? Shifting Access to Welfare, Migration and Settlement Aspirations of Filipina Single Mothers in Japan

“…Despite the Japanese government's efforts to promote inclusivity within the welfare system, the gradual diversification of welfare schemes further reinforced social inequality, disaggregating Japanese citizens and non-citizens and, at the same time, producing hierarchical categories of welfare dependents whose usage is contingent upon their migrant (vis-à-vis non-migrant) and socio-economic status. In her study, Celero (2014), for example, explained that Filipino mothers on public welfare formed a group of living-subsidy recipients situated on the lowest rung of Japan's dual social hierarchy. On the first level, citizens and migrants on living-subsidy support are situated below those who are not on welfare and paying taxes and are able to maintain high standards of living.…”

“…People receiving the LSA are stigmatised because this denotes helplessness and dependence in life and is often regarded as 'stealing' taxpayers' money. In addition, most recipients are attributed a negative reputation for violating its terms through sending remittances and returning to the home country, leading an undesirable lifestyle or being reticent about finding a job despite their good physical health (Celero 2014). Being aware of the negative public discourse surrounding LSA and the persistent need to support Filipino kin, some respondents sought other welfare services such as public housing and day-care services in order to resume employment.…”

“…They secured paternal recognition to legally stay and raise a child born out of wedlock in Japan, without which they may face deportation and separation from their Japanese child. They also gathered the necessary information and legal documents to qualify for welfare support in return for fulfilling their social obligations, such as giving birth to, rearing and socialising future Japanese citizens (Celero 2014(Celero , 2017. If they construct generally positive views about receiving welfare services as well as towards the Japanese government, why do some Filipinas aspire for a more transnational life trajectory?…”