Reluctant Intimacies: Japanese Eldercare in Indonesian Hands

This book explores the relationships between Indonesian care workers, the elderly they care for, their Japanese colleagues, and their employers through the lens of intimacy, shedding light on societal transformation and the role of bodily experience in shaping the image of a national "other" in Japan.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 242 pages
\n Publication date: 01 March 2021
\n Publisher: Berghahn Books
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This book is a groundbreaking ethnography that delves into the intricate relationships between Indonesian care workers, the elderly they care for, their Japanese colleagues, and their employers. Conducted over seventeen months of ethnographic research in Japan and Indonesia, it offers a unique perspective on the experiences of these care workers. By exploring the concept of intimacy, the book brings together sociological and anthropological scholarship on the body, migration, demographic change, and eldercare, resulting in a captivating account of societal transformation.

Placed against the backdrop of mass media representations, the Indonesian workers' experiences provide a rich foundation for discussing the role of bodily experience in shaping the image of a national "other" in Japan. Through vivid storytelling and in-depth analysis, the book sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by these care workers, as well as the broader societal implications of their work.

This book is a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology and sociology, offering insights into the experiences of marginalized communities and challenging prevailing narratives. It will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the global care economy and the role of migrant workers in shaping our societies.

\n Weight: 364g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800730168\n \n