著者：武田 悠希
役職：最高企画責任者
所属：多文化共生政策研究室
Editorial of this Discussion Paper
This report examines the problem of truancy in contemporary Japan from the perspective of educational disparities and discusses its social impact and countermeasures. The author, Yuki Takeda, is unique in that he analyzes this issue from multiple perspectives, drawing on his own experience of non-attendance at school.
First, he presents statistical data on the increasing number of children who are not attending school, and points out the sharp increase, especially among junior high school students. Noteworthy is the fact that this phenomenon is viewed not simply as an educational problem, but also from an economic perspective, such as the decline in competitiveness in the future labor market and the increased burden of human resource development on companies.
Furthermore, from a pedagogical perspective, it points to the inequality of learning opportunities and lack of social formation, while from a sociological perspective, it points to the risk of social exclusion and the cycle of poverty. These multifaceted analyses suggest that the problem of truancy goes beyond the individual and concerns the entire social structure.
The author concludes that the problem violates the principle of equal opportunity in education, limits the future success potential of individuals, undermines social integration, and has the potential to increase social inequality. This highlights the contemporary challenges facing Japan's postwar egalitarian educational philosophy.
As solutions, the report proposes strengthening early support systems, providing flexible learning environments, enhancing educational support programs, strengthening cooperation with families, and building cooperative relationships with local communities. Of note are specific initiatives such as the development of online learning platforms and the organization of multicultural exchange events. These are commendable proposals that take into account the characteristics of today's society of digitalization and diversity.
Through the problem of truancy, this report shows how the postwar Japanese social ideals of educational equality and social integration are being challenged today, and at the same time suggests the possibility of a new form of social inclusion by proposing the creation of diverse learning opportunities as a solution to this problem. It can be said that the book raises important issues in reconsidering the state of education and society in contemporary Japan.
Introduction
The number of students not attending school is increasing annually across Japan. (Figure 1)
When examined by grade level, the trend increases with age, with a dramatic rise occurring in middle school. (Figure 2)
Key Issue: Potential for Disparities in Learning Opportunities
Compulsory education in Japan spans from the first year of primary school to the third year of middle school, during which fundamental learning takes place.
Non-attendance results in the loss of these learning opportunities.
Based on personal experience, when at home as a non-attending student, there was little motivation to study.
キーワード
教育問題 Educational disparity
(Figure 1)
Source: "Survey Results on Problematic Behaviours, Non-Attendance, and Other Student Guidance Issues for the 2022 Academic Year" (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
(Figure 2)
Source: Survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Graph by nippon.com
Issues from a Management Perspective a. Loss of Opportunities for Social and Emotional Development in School Schools are not only places for acquiring knowledge but also for promoting social skills and emotional growth. Non-attendance can lead to reduced opportunities for peer relationships, teamwork, and self-expression, thereby limiting the acquisition of social skills.
b. Impact on Future Prospects Academic disparities may influence future educational and career paths. For instance, options for high school and university admission or employment may be limited, potentially affecting future career trajectories and socioeconomic success.
Reframing the Issues a. From a Management Studies Perspective
Reduced Competitiveness in the Labour Market Missing educational opportunities due to non-attendance may limit future job and career options, potentially impacting individual income and economic stability.
Increased Burden on Corporate Human Resource Development As non-attendance increases, companies face a greater burden in developing basic knowledge and skills in new and young employees, posing challenges for efficient human resource development.
b. From an Educational Studies Perspective
Inequality in Learning Opportunities Non-attendance may lead to widening gaps in academic ability and knowledge due to missed formal learning opportunities, affecting future academic performance and career choices.
Lack of Social Skills Development Schools are environments for developing social communication and cooperation skills. Non-attendance may result in insufficient cultivation of these skills, impacting social adaptability and relationship formation.
c. From a Sociological Perspective
Risk of Social Exclusion Non-attendance may increase the risk of social isolation, potentially hindering future self-realisation and social participation.
Cycle of Poverty Non-attendance may exacerbate educational disparities, increasing the risk of poverty. This suggests that educational inequality could perpetuate social inequality.
Hypotheses Based on the Above Considerations a. Contradiction to the Principle of Equal Educational Opportunity Non-attendance disrupts the intended equal distribution of educational opportunities among all children. This poses a significant issue from the standpoint of social justice and fairness, potentially preventing the educational system from fulfilling its primary purpose.
b. Limitation of Future Individual Economic and Social Success Educational disparities resulting from non-attendance may limit future income and career options for affected children. Education is considered to facilitate social mobility; its restriction may impact overall economic growth and societal prosperity.
c. Impairment of Social Integration and Harmony School education serves as a socialization platform where children from diverse backgrounds learn and grow together. Increased non-attendance risks forming socially isolated groups, potentially undermining social harmony and integration.
d. Exacerbation of Social Inequality Non-attendance may reinforce existing social inequalities by widening educational gaps. Education should provide opportunities to transcend social strata; its hindrance may reinforce cycles of poverty and discrimination.
Conclusion It is evident that educational disparities caused by non-attendance compromise equal educational opportunities, constrain individual future success, and potentially undermine social integration and harmony. Moreover, these disparities may exacerbate social inequalities and reinforce structures of poverty and discrimination.
The purpose of education is to provide equal opportunities for all children, promoting social development and individual growth. Non-attendance impedes this purpose, potentially affecting overall economic growth and societal prosperity. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize non-attendance and reduce educational disparities.
It is necessary to promote measures against non-attendance and ensure equal educational opportunities within educational systems and social policies. This approach is expected to maximize the potential of all children and contribute to sustainable societal development.
Problem-Solving Methods a. Strengthening Early Support Systems Early detection and support in the initial stages of non-attendance are crucial. Schools and communities should be sensitive to signs of non-attendance and intervene early to provide appropriate support for students and families. This includes psychological support, learning assistance, and strengthened family cooperation.
b. Providing Flexible Learning Environments It is important to expand online learning and distance education options for children who struggle with school attendance. This ensures equal educational opportunities by providing flexible learning spaces tailored to individual needs.
c. Enhancing Support Programmers to Bridge Educational Gaps Special support programmers and individualized instruction are necessary to address learning delays during periods of non-attendance and after returning to school. This includes utilizing learning support centers, specialized educational counsellors, and educational support volunteers.
d. Strengthening Collaboration with Families and Support Systems Families play a crucial role in resolving non-attendance issues. It is essential to maintain close communication between schools and families, strengthen support systems and developmental support at home, and provide training and resources for problem-solving within families.
e. Building Comprehensive Support Systems with Community Cooperation It is important to share understanding and countermeasures for non-attendance issues across the entire community, and to build comprehensive support systems through cooperation between schools, local governments, NGOs, and businesses. Forming support networks tailored to local characteristics is directly linked to effective non-attendance countermeasures.
Project Proposal: Equal Learning for All Children a. Objectives
Provide learning opportunities for children facing non-attendance issues and prevent social exclusion.
Realize the organization's philosophy of "intersection and fusion of diverse values" and aim for a symbiotic society.
b. Specific Initiatives
Development of an Online Learning Platform Develop an online learning platform allowing children unable to attend school to receive high-quality education at home. This platform will also provide support from teachers and volunteers.
Hosting Multicultural Exchange Events Organise multicultural events to provide opportunities for non-attending children to interact with peers from different backgrounds, enhancing their social skills and communication abilities.
Strengthening Educational Support Programmed Provide individualized instruction and mental health care through learning support centers and specialized counsellors to bridge academic gaps during periods of non-attendance.
c. Significance of the Project
Ensuring Equal Educational Opportunities: By reducing educational disparities and providing equal learning opportunities to all children, we can realize the organization's mission of "never giving up on potential."
Promoting Social Integration: Through multicultural events and exchange programmers, we can facilitate interaction among children from different backgrounds, supporting social harmony and integration.
Contributing to Local Communities: By collaborating with local communities to build comprehensive support systems for non-attendance issues, we can enhance the organization's social impact.
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