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An empirical analysis of young carers in Japan: “care burden” versus “awareness” and the role of external support

Author

Listed:
  • Bing Niu

    (Osaka Metropolitan University)

  • Lingling Zhang

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

  • Shigeki Kano

    (Osaka Metropolitan University)

Abstract

A high number of youths in Japan have responsibilities beyond their years, due to their role of caring for family members. This study uses cross-sectional data of young carers in Japan to empirically investigate the burden on them. We use different measures and examine its contributing factors. We examine the relationship between “care burden” and “awareness,” with specific focus on the external support received by the family members looked after by these young carers. We found that their care burden was a heavy one, albeit varying in magnitude. There was also a large gap between the actual care burden and young carers' awareness of being carers. Receiving external support was important, as it had a positive effect on improving awareness and mitigating their care burden. It is important to investigate and understand the actual burden on young carers and to provide support that meets their needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Bing Niu & Lingling Zhang & Shigeki Kano, 2022. "An empirical analysis of young carers in Japan: “care burden” versus “awareness” and the role of external support," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 42(4), pages 2279-2297.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-22-00584
    as

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    File URL: http://www.accessecon.com/Pubs/EB/2022/Volume42/EB-22-V42-I4-P188.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gary S. Becker, 1981. "A Treatise on the Family," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number beck81-1.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Young carers; care burden; awareness; external support;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health

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