The two-day workshop brought together an international group of scholars from Southern Europe (Portugal, Italy, Greece) and East Asia (Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Thailand) to explore pressing issues at the intersection of gender, labor markets, and social policy. Held at the Graduate Institute of National Development, National Taiwan University, on April 1-2, the event provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on demographic change, welfare systems, and evolving work-family dynamics in different regional contexts.
Across the two days, the presentations collectively addressed how gender inequalities are embedded in institutional arrangements such as pension systems, labor markets, and family policies. Rather than focusing on isolated national cases, the workshop consistently adopted a comparative lens, drawing insights from East Asia and Europe. Discussions highlighted how similar challenges—such as declining fertility and shifting employment patterns—manifest differently depending on cultural norms and policy frameworks.
A recurring theme was the tension between economic productivity and social reproduction. Participants explored how care responsibilities, labor market structures, and social investment strategies interact to shape individuals’ work and family choices. Particular attention was paid to the post-pandemic context, where remote work and service economies are redefining boundaries between professional and private life.
Overall, the workshop underscored the complexity of achieving work-life balance in contemporary societies. By bringing together diverse perspectives under the organization of Professor Ijin Hong, the event not only advanced academic debate but also highlighted the need for integrated policy approaches that address both structural inequalities and everyday lived experiences.