Policies to improve social mobility and class impacts on UK and Japanese organisations

¶ … policies that UK government could implement or change current policies to aid social mobility.

Starting during the era of the late Margaret Thatcher's rule and proceeding into present day, the United Kingdom has struggled with the startling realities of socioeconomic inequality. In particular, far too many Britons have struggled with the incapacity to remove themselves from suffocating economic circumstances. This is all too common a reality in former industrial hubs now blighted by empty factories and unemployment. However, one policy that could significantly improve social mobility for Britons is emerging from the office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The source provided by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (2012) refers to a program called "Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers." This strategy recognizes that so many factors impacting an individual during childhood, early adulthood and family planning can have an impact on social status in perpetuity. This is why the initiative in question calls for a 'life cycle approach' to government support of those in economic need. According to the Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers mission, "There should be help and support at every stage to narrow the gaps and provide second chances. That is why our strategy is based on a life cycle framework. Our goal is to make life chances more equal at the critical points for social mobility such as: the early years of development; school readiness at age five; GCSE attainment; the choice of options at 16; gaining a place at university or on an Apprenticeship; and getting into and on in the labour market." (Clegg, p. 1)

Page 2: Discuss what social class system they have and how does social class impacts on business organisations in Japan. How can social class affect individuls business.

For many centuries, Japan was a feudal nation ruled by an emperor and occupied by a hierarchy of shoguns, daimyos, samurais, farmers and merchants. This system closely resembled the noble landowner hierarchy that persisted in Europe until the French Revolution. In Japan, the feudal system's end came with the devastation of the atomic bombs that ended World War II. These brought to an end the all-encompassing rule of Japan's Emperor Hirohito and ushered in an era of dominant western influence. The forces of capitalism and democracy would be especially powerful during the inception period.

The result has actually been a fairly thorough dismantling of the class system in Japan's highly egalitarian socio-economic structure. Accordingly, we find that "the gaps between rich and poor are not as glaring in Japan as they are in many countries, and a remarkable 90% or more of Japanese people consider themselves middle class. This contrasts with most of Japan's previous recorded history, when profound social and economic distinctions were maintained between Japan's aristocracy and its commoners." (Countries Quest, p. 1)