In the U.S. I think we tend to think of the individual toll of long work hours and lack of support for parents, like how stressed out and crabby we are trying to manage both career and family. However, we certainly aren't the only nation with a tough work ethic and lack of cost-effective childcare. In Japan, late-night meetings, expensive childcare, and the expectation of non-stop work are in many ways the norm, and this might spell trouble for the future of the country. In fact, experts say even the U.S. does a better job of supporting work-family balance.
So what's one consequence of the lack of help for 'rents? Japan is expected to report a decline in the number of births in 2007. And this trend is coupled with a population decline, leading some to speculate that the shrinking work force, rising number of pensions, and slower economic growth could mean big problems for the future of the country. The outlook for the future isn't good, and it's a reminder that failing to support families can have more lasting ramifications than a nation of bleary-eyed, stressed out moms and dads.
