MINSEI IIN - BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE - A LOCAL-NETWORK FOR COMMUNITY CARE IN JAPAN

This article attempts to analyse the basic function of minsei i'in (vo luntary community social workers). Drawing on interviews with minsei i 'in, the nature and problems of the minsei i'in network are discussed in the light of the social environment in Japanese society where commu nity care is closely related to issues of care for elderly people in a n ageing society. Tt is demonstrated that the minsei i'in system has a remarkable significance for Japanese community welfare as a bridge be tween public authorities and community residents.