大学共同利用機関法人 人間文化研究機構　国立民族学博物館

Objectives

Reproduction in the micro sense begins with childbirth and in the macro sense has the meaning of social re-production. Since reproduction more or less corresponds to the formation of families, thinking of it in those terms leads us to consider it in terms of sustainable re-production of families and society. This research aims to propose alternative models for future orientations for re-production and the family. At present, Japan is transitioning from its former inclination, the typical family to the present situation in which this traditional family is falling apart. Various phenomena are arising such as deviation between the Civil Code and the present relations of parents and children, the recognition of parent-child relations created through reproduction-assisting medical techniques, same-sex couples raising children, and an international division of labor as far as the tasks related to reproduction (including child-rearing, nursing care, and housework) are concerned. These phenomena do not adhere to the traditional image of the family. As far as micro reproduction in terms of giving birth is concerned, the quality (female satisfaction and quality of maternity care) and volume (fewer children born) are seeing a situation that has no prospect of continuing. This research will use culture and history as a relative axis to propose alternative models for reproduction and the family, with the objective of constructing a society that respects individual human rights.