Half of disadvantaged mothers in Japan lack child care products, survey finds

Survey reveals half of disadvantaged mothers in Japan lack essential child care products, with 88% citing lost work opportunities due to pregnancy.

Survey reveals half of disadvantaged mothers in Japan lack essential child care products, with 88% citing lost work opportunities due to pregnancy. | Contesto: cronaca

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  • Half of disadvantaged mothers in Japan lack child care products, survey finds

Contesto

Nearly half of economically disadvantaged mothers in Japan report lacking essential child care products such as diapers, formula, and baby wipes, according to a new survey that highlights the deepening struggles faced by vulnerable families in the country. The findings, released by a Japanese research group, paint a stark picture of material hardship among mothers already grappling with financial insecurity, raising concerns about the long-term well-being of both parents and children in one of the world’s wealthiest nations. The survey, which polled hundreds of mothers from low-income households, found that 50% of respondents said they did not have enough child care items to meet their basic needs. When asked about their broader concerns, a striking 88% of participants reported that they were unable to work as much as they wanted to due to pregnancy or childbirth, pointing to a systemic barrier that traps many women in a cycle of poverty. The data underscores how the lack of affordable child care, limited workplace flexibility, and insufficient social safety nets compound the challenges faced by mothers trying to provide for their families. Japan has long grappled with a declining birth rate and a growing awareness of child poverty, which affects one in seven children nationwide. While the government has introduced measures such as expanded child allowances and free preschool education, advocates argue that these programs often fail to reach the most marginalized families. The survey’s focus on disadvantaged mothers reveals a gap between policy intentions and on-the-ground realities, with many women forced to choose between buying necessities for their babies and covering other household expenses like rent or utilities. The inability to work due to pregnancy or childbirth, cited by 88% of respondents, reflects persistent gender-based discrimination in Japan’s labor market. Many women face pressure to leave their jobs after having children, a phenomenon known as the "motherhood penalty," and those who return often find only part-time or irregular work with low pay and few benefits. This dynamic not only limits immediate income but also erodes long-term career...

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Categoria: cronaca