Abstract

This study explores Japan's reluctance to accept labor immigrants in the post-World War II era through the analytical lenses of identity politics and historical institutionalism. It examines how Japan’s national identity, emphasizing ethnic homogeneity and cultural preservation, has shaped restrictive immigration policies despite its economic need. Historical institutionalism provides a framework for understanding the persistence of these policies, which are rooted in the institutional legacies of Japan's post-war reconstruction. The research investigates the interplay between identity-based motivations and the institutional structures that constrain policy changes, highlighting how these dynamics have led to the exclusion of foreign labor despite the country’s demographic challenges. By analyzing the role of immigration laws, labor market access, and social security regulations, the study offers insights into the broader socio-political context influencing Japan’s immigration policy, contributing to a deeper understanding of how historical and cultural factors continue to shape contemporary political decisions.

The research contrasts Japan's approach with the immigration policies of Germany and France, where labor shortages after the war led to more open and structured immigration systems. In Germany and France, the need for a workforce and the evolving identities of immigrant populations were central to developing their immigration frameworks. In Japan, however, immigration laws, labor market access, and social security regulations have been guided by different priorities, deeply intertwined with national identity and institutional constraints. This comparative analysis highlights how historical and cultural factors shape immigration policies, offering insights into the broader socio-political

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

Winter 2-19-2025

Submission Date

1-23-2025

First Advisor

Amr Adly

Committee Member 1

Oliver Schlumberger

Committee Member 2

Ibrahim Awad

Extent

130 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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