林業生産の衰退と労働市場の変化--奥秩父過疎山村・大滝村の場合
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概要
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This paper examines changes in the labour structure that have come about as a result of the decline in forestry production in Otaki-mura, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Beginning in the early 1960's, the traditional rural social structure in the area was upset when forestry production, the area's economic mainstay, could no longer compete with the import of foreign-produced timber. At the same time, changes in the field of energy production brought about the decline of the charcoal industry, long associated with forestry production in Japan. Consequently the area experienced a sharp decline in population, and the remaining labour force responding to new work opportunities provided in part by anti-depopulation policies has undergone major structural changes.The main characteristics of these changes in the labour market are summarized as follows:1) Development of local rural industry since World War II can be divided into three time periods. During the first period, from 1945 to 1957, labour was concentrated in the forestry industry, where production was carried on a small scale, individual basis, and supplemented by subsistence agriculture as well as part-time work in other industries. During the second period, from 1958 to 1967, the decline in timber and charcoal production led to an outflow of the labour force. At the same time, construction of a nearby dam as well as increased transportation facility construction, provided increased opportunities for day labour. During the third period, since 1968, specific anti-depopulation policies have encouraged the development of small businesses in this and other rural villages, and the tertiary sector has been increased. In addition, increased mobility has made automobile commuting to nearby towns possible, although such commuting is still not carried out on a large scale.2) Since the latter half of the second period, the labour market can be divided into two classes, the "First Type" being young, fulltime workers who have graduated from highschool, and the "Second Type" being those older workers who have converted from traditional rural production to manufacturing, construction or larger scale forestry labour, still supplemented in many cases by part-time farming.3) Forest landowners have responded to these economic developments by starting manufacturing or service industries (such as tourist accommodations), or by engaging in village political leadership.4) Hamlets within the village can be differentiated according to activity and time period, an N Hamlet being one engaged only in forestry labour, an O Hamlet being one in which a stratified labour force, engaging in forestry, construction, or commuting day labour, has developed.
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