This course critically examines the globally shared developmental challenges pertaining to poverty and gender, both on a global scale and within the context of Japan, while exploring strategies for fostering an inclusive society. The instructional approach incorporates a combination of thematic lectures, student-led discussions, and collaborative group work, ensuring an active learning experience.
Building upon an initial understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global poverty, the course explored foundational theories of development, including modernization theory, dependency theory, and the Capability Approach proposed by the renowned scholar Amartya Sen. As case studies, we critically examined the complex challenges associated with chocolate production involving child labor and monoculture agriculture leading to environmental degradation, the principles and impact of fair trade, as well as support by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Moreover, we direct our attention towards the alarming issue of child poverty within Japan, particularly focusing on the initiatives spearheaded by civil society, such as Children’s Cafeterias. Additionally, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances faced by single mother households, where Japan exhibits one of the highest poverty rates among developed countries. Subsequently, our discussions have shifted towards unraveling the gender disparities inherent in a societal framework where the bulk of childcare responsibilities disproportionately burden mothers, consequently resulting in significant socio-economic disadvantages for women. Lively discussions take place in each session.