Similar to the world economies, Japan experiences economic recession and its consequences. Science is one of the fields to be affected most severely. A different reason why a huge amount of Japanese female scientists goes to work abroad is because of the male scientists’ dominance in the country. Although women are equally hard working and compatible with men in science and in academia, the Japanese society does not accept the role of women as leading scientists and researchers. It is estimated that sixty percent of all the talented Japanese researchers who reside abroad are females, and just a tiny portion of ten percent has remained in Japan.
I believe that this is a shocking figure that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, and a feasible solution must be provided. In Japan, women are minorities, as compared to men and their interminably dominant role. Japanese females need to double-prove their relevance. On the other hand, it is a shame that these bright female scientists need to seek admittance and their self-appraisal overseas. When abroad, they may find their place in science and get acknowledged, but it will take a long time and much effort for them to succeed.
Currently, the major research in Japan is declining, partly due to economic hardships. Some universities are unable to increase salaries for their top scientists since all the budgets are controlled by the state. This means that Japan’s institutions cannot attract enough of foreign scientists to support their national research. To my mind, if research cannot team up with industry, then it halts the whole process of collaboration. Even Japanese pharmacies have started to deteriorate in the world market, being able to deliver only eight percent of the world drugs, prior to thirty percent.
Research in the country is on the verge of declining. Recession, the unappealing pay for the scientists and the dominant role of male scientists, have contributed to a large portion of bright Japanese females leaving the country. Women are still minorities there – a fact that needs to be addressed at the state level. Moreover, the salaries for research controlled by the state do not support cooperation of top scientists and businesses.
References
Grove, J. (October 9, 2014). Japan’s Missing Female Scientists. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/10/09/japanese-university-president-laments-exodus-women-science
