Women in Japan“complementary incompetence” – Edwards

Men, shakai – women, kateiEarning money vs. managing moneyDutiful worker, dutiful homemaker

How different are things in the US?The bumbling American man in the kitchen

Women at workComplementary incompetence at work

Electronics vs. auto (NYT)

Other “acceptable” jobsTeaching, nursing

The demographic crunch: unhappy women

do not marrydo not have children

Women and the lawequal opportunity laws of 1985 and 1997

Complications:Men and women equally exploited? (NYT)Implementation in an entrenched system: male/female tracking (Ehara, Renshaw)Inequities unrectified, and women continue to opt out

Japanese urban female lifecourse (1)

“traditional”Educated in good schools through junior collegegoes to work as an “office lady”After some years, marries, has two childrenWhen children are off to school, cultivates friendships, hobbies, possibly community service

Japanese urban female lifecourse (2)

“new trend”Educated in good schools through four year universitygoes to work as manager or other professionalIn late 20s, marries, has one childWhen children are off to school, seeks to return to work force, or starts a business, etc.

Japanese urban female lifecourse (3)

“professional”Educated in very good schools; attends elite four year universitygoes to work in big business or governmentMay marry, may notIf married, either has non-traditional husband or the means to afford outside assistance with child care

Women in high placesgovernment

Doi Takako, head of Japan Socialist PartyNoda Seiko, former minister of Posts &Tel.Ōta (Ohta) Fusae, governor of OsakaOgata Sadako, UN High Commissioner for RefugeesTanaka Makiko,recent Foreign Minister

“International” women

A way of opting out of the systemStudy overseasMarry foreigners (80%-20%)Reside abroad long term, sometimes returnThe difficulties of returning

The gaijinijime

Summary (so far)today’s Japanese woman

is better educatedmarries lateris more likely to have a careerIs unlikely to have more than one child (1.38)

And yetBarriers to meaningful work remainObjectification and “juvenilization” continue

Women’s magazinesWhat can we learn about women and society from women’s magazines?

Much like women’s magazines in the US

But big events are particularly revealing1958: the crown prince meets Shoda Michiko

Unprecedented marriage to a commonerTriggers the “Micchi boom”

Wedding portrayalsMeet on a Karuizawa tennis court, 1958

A fine romanceThe handsome princeThe lovely commoner

But wait:Her father is one of the wealthiest men in Asia

The people’s princess?

Demand for information about the couple is insatiableBut are they to be admired or pitied?The royals as prisoners of their position

To support them, we should be better commoners

A sly critique

Creators tired of feeding the beastA more critical view is offered, but indirectly

By children!

Michiko and Masako

How was the Michiko story read in the West?

Progress for women despite barriers

Masako, 40 years laterSame story

My thanks to Jan Bardsley, UNC Chapel Hill for pictures and info.