The Political Economy of Social Investment and Welfare Regimes in East Asia

2019 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K13608
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Brazzill Marc 早稲田大学, 政治経済学術院, 助教 (10823776)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 福祉国家 / 社会政策 / 東アジア

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

In AY2019, I have undertaken a thorough review of the existing literature on East Asian welfare, especially focusing on China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. I have also begun collecting data on East Asian welfare policies in order to pursue future analyses. I also undertook a research trip to Taiwan in order to obtain data and materials on Taiwanese social policy that is not readily available online. Based upon the initially obtained data, a working paper exploring the impact of demographics on East Asian welfare spending areas has been prepared for presentation at the International Political Science Association Annual Conference.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

The current global health situation has delayed the progress of research as more time has had to be spent on teaching responsibilities. The hiring of research assistants has also been delayed due to travel restrictions. Several conferences where I was intending to present papers have also been postponed and/or cancelled.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In AY2020 I hope to quickly conclude data collection for the project so that I can produce a paper examining the overall structure of welfare regimes in East Asia. I then hope to produce several papers exploring the political causes of and constraints on welfare policy in East Asian countries.

Causes of Carryover

I was unable to hire research assistants during this academic year. In AY2020, the amount rolled over is intended to be used for this purpose.