Cultural Barriers to Gender Equality in Japanese Society

From boardrooms to households, the battle for gender equality continues to challenge deeply rooted social structures worldwide. While certain nations have made monumental strides towards addressing this issue, others, such as Japan, remain significantly behind. Japanese women face a multitude of barriers, whether they are economic, political, or social, and these challenges persistently compare them unfavorably to their male counterparts. This essay examines the historical context, current developments, and ongoing struggles of gender inequality in Japan, particularly in the workforce.

Historical Context and Progress

Throughout Japan's history, women have consistently been marginalized, often relegated to subordinate roles.

The journey toward gender equality in Japan began in earnest in 1946 when women were granted the right to vote. This milestone was followed by the passing of the Equal Employment Opportunity Law in 1986, which aimed to eliminate gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Furthermore, additional legislation has been enacted to safeguard women against domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. While these legal measures mark significant achievements, they are not sufficient to fully address the deeply ingrained issues of gender inequality.

The Concept of Womenomics

A notable recent effort to promote gender equality in Japan is encapsulated in the concept of "Womenomics," a term associated with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's initiative to reform the Japanese economy. Abe's vision was to create "a society where women can shine," recognizing the essential link between women's advancement and economic development. According to a Bloomberg article by Shoko Oda and Isabel Reynolds, the idea is that by increasing female participation in the workforce, Japan can bolster its economic growth. However, the critical question remains: has Womenomics truly succeeded in transforming Japan?

While there have been numerous efforts to empower women, the process is ongoing and far from complete. Despite a decrease in the number of women working, as reported by a BBC article titled "Has 'Womenomics' Worked in Japan?", Japan's ranking in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) global gender gap index has declined. The country fell from 111th place in 2016 to 114th in 2017 out of 149 nations. The WEF index evaluates various factors contributing to the gender gap, including economic participation and opportunity. Although female employment has risen, surpassing the United States for women over the age of 25, most women occupy low-paying and precarious positions. What Japan truly needs is not just an increase in the number of jobs available to women, but an improvement in the quality of these jobs.

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workforce is a significant barrier to gender equality in Japan. Many educated women are hesitant to pursue their desired careers due to a well-founded fear of discrimination from employers. For instance, an executive recruiter once revealed that their firm hires only two women for every ten newly employed workers, despite women constituting nine out of the top ten applicants. This bias stems from the belief that women will eventually leave the workforce upon marrying or becoming pregnant. Consequently, women who do secure employment often do not receive the same opportunities as their male peers.

A poignant example of this bias is Hiromi Murakami, who faced discrimination at her previous job. While male colleagues were offered the chance to attend MBA courses, Murakami's request for similar opportunities was denied, and she was offered less valuable alternatives. Undeterred, she pursued her education independently and later founded the Japan Institute for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (JSIE).

Moreover, pay disparity remains a pressing issue. In 2018, 22.8% of men earned between ¥5 million and ¥6.99 million, whereas 28.1% of women earned only ¥2 million to ¥2.99 million. Women in part-time or temporary roles earn even less, often below one million yen annually. This stark pay gap highlights the systemic undervaluation of women's work and the need for comprehensive reform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Japan has made commendable progress in addressing gender inequality, significant challenges remain. Legal advancements and initiatives like Womenomics have laid a foundation, but they are insufficient to dismantle the deeply rooted societal norms and biases that perpetuate inequality. To truly achieve gender parity, Japan must prioritize the quality of employment opportunities for women, eliminate workplace discrimination, and close the gender pay gap. Only through sustained and comprehensive efforts can Japanese women fully realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

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