In the early traditional ages, Japans cultural set up majorly favored men in the society. In the ancient times, women in japan were generally viewed to be inferior to their male counterparts. “I don’t interfere with my husbands business, not with my mouth, hands or legs.” This statement, made by Kumiko Hashimoto, the wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutario Hasimoto, basically underlines the traditional role of women in Japan. These sentiments clearly show us that a woman’s roles in the house were much defined and that at some point they had to seek for permission from their husbands to carry out some duties. It further highlights a very vital point as to how independence of a woman as at risk at those early days. Indeed as the former First lady articulates clearly that women did not have Special duties in her Job description and that her main roles were as a hose wife, a mother and a servant to the husband. Surprisingly women were not allowed to vote, to vie for any post in politics. Women were also denied the opportunity to go to school; a privilege which their male counterparts enjoyed as they were viewed to be more superior to women. This paper endeavors to highlight reasons why women in Japan have been treated unequally than men in past three centuries.
A point to note is the fact that the major cause of women mistreatment in Japan was brought about by the fact that Japan lived in isolation for a longer period of time.in 16th century Japans leadership was brutal to foreign encroachment. This means no foreigners were allowed to freely trade in the nation of Japan. The worst point to note is the existing foreigners in Japan were expelled. Similarly all the Christian groups were out lawed. Western nations reacted violently towards the decision to expel foreigners and to outlaw Christian’s groups. Typically, a country that lived in isolation invariably faces discrimination. Also lack of western nations influence in Japan precipitated women mistreatment. The leadership of Tukugawa clan in 16th century was majorly blamed for an equal treatment for female sex.
Gender disparity is a matter of great concern not only to Japan but also in the global world. The fact is when one gender faces unequeal treatment then the society as a whole is going a stray. Worth noting is the fact that ethical standards demands fair, just and equal treatment of all the gender. Any act of unfair, unjust and impartial treated of one gender is termed as unethical practice, since it goes against societal standards. Gender inequality has for a very long time been a subject of discussion. Many countries Japan being one of them has had issues with gender disparity since the start of the world. To some extent, blame should be taken to the female counterparts because they (women) viewed themselves to be inferior to men. For instance in Japan up to date women are generally brought up to be good wives. Meaning that they generally never take up roles outside their households. Statistics have it that 23% of the total parliamentarians are women, compared to their male colleagues. Interestingly, most women if just to mention are comfortable with their situation as house wives. In the early times a handful of women, for example Shidzue, made it their responsibility advocating for the rights of women in the political arena. At this time, women could not compete with men confidently because they believed they were inferior to men.
Worth noting, strong women, just to mention were the like of Fusae Ichikawa: (1893–1981). She is well-known for fighting for the political rights of the women. She took her time fighting for women to be involved in the voting process as well to be members of political parties.
A point worth noting is also the fact that in terms of gender disparity, its not ethically sustainable. Ethics always demand some set of rules, code of conduct that are generally acceptable in the community or a society. Japan’s women. As noted earlier, Tokugawan leadership did not pay any regard to ethical demands. The infamous leadership continuously advocated for unfair, unjust and disparity in women treatment. The mentioned leadership placed the Japan on the wrong side of history. Several complains by and the western voices were met by a total rejection by the vicious leadership. Interesting to note is the fact that majority of Japan citizens continue plead to the Tokugawan leadership on matters of unequal treatment.
Secondly, education acted as an eye opener to majority of the Japan population. Reportedly, majority of the Japan realized that all citizens need fair, just and equal treatment. As a result, the women unfair treatment started to indicate a decline trend. Infrastructure on the other hand, opened and connected Japan to the neighboring countries and also to the western nation. It gave the Japan populace and majorly the Japan leadership chance to borrow a leave on how women were being handled in other nations. This reasons put Japan to a likeable class.
The primary reason, why women receive brutal treatment in Japan was brought by many reasons. Just to mention a few, the culture of Japan was primitive and archaic. The culture promoted the unequal treatment of women, that is, the culture did not value women in the society. Worst to note is the fact that, the Japan culture only recognized Male sex has the supreme sex. The culture advocated that women were to be underdogs in the society. The leadership of Tokugawan took the advantage of the culture and intensifies the women unequal treatment. In view of this, the culture of a country must be based on the gender impartiality and any leadership must displayed concerted efforts to ensure that wrong culture is aborted.
Secondly, lack of technology in a country makes the nation to preside in an environment of backwards. As can be evidenced form todays world, technology is the most important resource in the advancement of any country. Lack of advanced technology also largely contributed to unequal treatment of women as compared to their male colleagues. Their being no advanced technology during those ancient times, the work force required heavy work force which most women could not bear. This led to women being viewed as soft human beings who were consequently not permitted to engage in thorough workforce. During the 1800 -1900 japan was heavily involved in their major constructions which as at that time were solely a man’s duty. Later on after World War II we realize that most women engaged in workforce due to some elements of improved technology. We must concur that technology contributes to major advancements in the general economy.
Thirdly, the main reason as to why women in japan were discriminated was as result of education system which had not yet found its routes in Japan’s nation. It is worth noting that formal education in Japan began with the adoption of Chinese culture. This was during the 6th century. Statistics further shows that currently only 13.4% of women sit in the parliament. Women in labor force stands at 49.4% and females over 25 years of age with secondary education stands at 80% as at 2010. After World War II the dominant cultural template for the role of a Japanese woman has been that of an office lady- that woman becomes a house wife then akyoiku mama (education mother) after marriage. Consequently women personal beliefs have always been the reason behind their personal discrimination. For instance it was normal for a Japanese woman to see it fit to stay at home and watch over their children. This is because they have been influenced by traditional notion which was expressed that good wife, wise mother. This has largely influenced beliefs about gender roles. Most women may not be able to realize that ideal, but many believe that it is in their own, their children, and society’s best interests that they stay home to devote to their children, at least when the children are young.
Secondly, the devoid of infrastructure had a significant effect on male mistreatment in Japan. Its impact could be supported by the fact that Japan could not be easily accessed by other global nations. This placed the discussed nation at a state of isolation. Similarly, under this situation a country cannot comprehend or rather fathom how other neighboring nations or distant nations carry out its daily activities. On the same note, it becomes intricate for Japan women leadership to borrow on learn from other nations. It is through better and effective infrastructure that encourages foreign countries to investment in other countries. Devoid of this, the investors shun away from conducting business in the country. Apparently, lack of the infrastructure made the woman unequal superiority to soar to high level. It is for this treason that the leadership of Japan had to be thrown away and replaced by Meiji leadership that took the devoid of infrastructure as a matter of great concern.
In addition, the mentioned infrastructure affected the relationship of Japan and western nations. Majority of the Western nations could not easily access Japan. This was a great disadvantage to Japan nation. To start with, only the domestic trade was registered. This means the Japan nation revenue majorly relied on the domestic trade. A point to note is the fact that complete reliance in domestic trade is not enough to run the country. On a similar note, Japan lacked the employment opportunities which are basically attributed by the international trade. Interestingly, after the Tokugawa was overthrown, Meiji leadership opened up Japan nations. This placed Japan in the limelight since Western nations show great interest to advance their way into the Japan nation. For instance, America and France showed interest to trade with Japan. Meiji leadership focused on the infrastructure as a way of bringing economic growth and economic development in Japan.
Another major reason why there was presence of women unequal treatment was that the Japan culture was so uncouth and backward. The mentioned culture viewed the women as supreme sex that was precluded from heavy tasks. For instance, only male sex was exposed to force labor. Notably, women were allowed only to carry out traditional task. The mentioned traditional task comprises of light tasks, basically the kitchen tasks. On the same note, only men were exposed to forced labor while women were spared. This indicates that the male sex was an endangered species. Worst to note is the fact that leadership positions belonged to the women, the emperor was majorly led by women leaders. Surprisingly, women leadership was brutal and cruel. That is, the women leadership continuously misused power. Due to this, men started transforming and advocating for better and quality leadership. Worst noting is the fact that women had no political. The power of women was excess and were to be reduced or trimmed.
Many women find satisfaction in family life and in the accomplishments of their children, gaining a sense of fulfillment from what they enjoy most. All these parameters contributed wildly for the discrimination of the girl child in the ancient times. Though it is still wildly viewed in Japan up to date that it’s the responsibility of the woman to look after the children and consequently train them for their early child hood education system. Surprisingly most of the women are comfortable with these roles up to date. As a result of improved infrastructure and industrialization from other western countries, education systems in Japan are presently advanced. These have constantly improved the Education system in the nation. Interestingly, technology has contributed much to these revelations.
Key individuals worth noting include Shigeri Yamataka who worked very closely with Ichikawas in the women plight after world war two she was twice elected in the house of councilors, later on she managed to be the president of the national federation of regional women’s organization. Surprisingly women also used literary outlets as one of the most effective ways in which they actively participated in the suffrage. During the interwar period, the number of educated women was at its highest, many of whom were graduates from respective institutions higher learning. They began to use education as their greatest weapon. Magazines such as Seito, Fujin konon and Shufu No tomo were the most feminist magazines at the time. Literally works such as these were very useful because they solved the most daring issues which brought about fear to women. Issues which were thoroughly tackled, included abortion, sexuality, politics and most importantly was women independence. These magazines were very vital because they included literary works that were often deemed controversial to the large Japanese population.
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