Exploring the experiences of older women in post-war Japanese society, this book analyzes their family relations, housing histories and position within welfare systems. It highlights a range of issues surrounding the changing role of women in the family and society, housing policy and the ageing society.

Contents: Introduction; Social change and family change; Women and family relations; The Japanese welfare state in transition: from feudalist to post-bubble capitalist state?; Women and the welfare state; Housing and older people: impacts of housing policies and processes?; Women and housing choices; Conclusions; Bibliography; Appendices.