Japan operates under a parliamentary system, where the cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, is responsible to the Diet (parliament). This system, while allowing for swift policy implementation, can also be susceptible to political instability. The interplay between the cabinet's agenda and societal needs, particularly concerning social welfare and gender equality, is a complex and constantly evolving dynamic. Social welfare in Japan has historically been a cornerstone of national policy, encompassing healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. However, the aging population and shrinking workforce pose significant challenges to the long-term sustainability of the current system. Reforms are ongoing, often sparking political debate regarding the balance between fiscal responsibility and the provision of adequate social safety nets. These debates often highlight the inherent tensions between the government's desire for efficiency and the public's expectation of comprehensive welfare. Furthermore, Japan grapples with issues surrounding gender equality, including workplace sexual harassment. While legal frameworks exist to combat such behavior, their effectiveness remains a matter of contention. The parliamentary system, with its focus on party politics and potential power imbalances, may inadvertently hinder efforts to fully address and prevent sexual harassment. The hierarchical structure of many Japanese organizations can create environments where reporting sexual harassment is discouraged or even punished, further complicating the problem. Consequently, victims may face significant barriers to seeking justice and redress. The relationship between the government's response to social welfare and gender equality issues is intricate. Inadequate resources allocated to addressing sexual harassment, for instance, may reflect broader budgetary constraints impacting overall social welfare provisions. Conversely, a strong commitment to gender equality can lead to innovative welfare programs and increased funding for relevant initiatives. The effectiveness of policy responses thus depends critically on political will, effective legislative frameworks, and public awareness.
1. According to the passage, what is a significant challenge to Japan's social welfare system?
2. What potential drawback of Japan's parliamentary system is highlighted in the passage?
3. What factor is crucial to the effectiveness of policy responses to social welfare and gender equality issues, as stated in the passage?
4. The passage suggests that the relationship between social welfare and addressing sexual harassment in Japan is:
5. What is the main focus of the passage?