Re:The United States of Japan
by mistermann on Sunday May 06, 2018 @06:39AM
(#17005958)
As there can be with anything else. The question is, what is the reality?
I don't have practical experience with Japan, but as I understand, for many years, #1 has been the main issue. In the West, in recent decades, #2 has eclipsed it.
Re:The United States of Japan
by mistermann on Monday May 07, 2018 @09:22PM
(#17018069)
#1 is certainly a big factor, no disagreement. However, I've seen very little if anything that would imply Japanese women have a problem with this. If they do prefer being a homemaker (as I would based on the insane Japanese work culture), there's not really any conflict.
Many women didn't have a problem with not being able to vote in the 19th century, but that doesn't mean that there wasn't a problem or any real conflict.
People temper their expectations to what they can get out of life. It's easier then a lifetime of disappointment.
Even if it's true that the majority prefer being homemakers, Japanese women are individuals, not an amorphous homogeneous mass. Those who do want to have careers and work outside the home shouldn't be discriminated against or forced to resign as soon as they get married or have kids.
One Japanese woman I met's solution to this discrimination was to start her own company (an architecture firm). Others I knew did freelance work such as photography.
1. Your workplace will marginalize you for having children if you're a woman.
2. The cost of childcare may be so high, compared to your wages, that it makes more sense for one parent to quit their job, and raise the children. See, also: 1 for why there are few stay-at-home dads.
3. Social expectations from your family.