Welfare States Transformations and Immigrations in Japan and Australia : A Comparative Perspective

Globalization and post-industrialization have great impacts on the welfare state. As a result, the pattern of social integration has been changing. To show the change in the dynamism of social exclusion/ inclusion, I analyze the development of social and immigration policy in Japan and Australia. First, I demonstrate change in policy objectives. While the re-commodification is emphasized in the field of social policy, the economic contribution is emphasized in the field of immigration policy. These changes are rooted in the rise of neoliberalism. Second, I dicuss the attempt to construct a new national identity in both countries. To construct the new pattern of social integration, governments refer to a new national identity (for example, republicanism, main stream culture, nationalism and so on). Finally, I consider the features and limitations of the new pattern of social integration and the possibilities for a free and fair order.