The Japanese Woman: Traditional Image and Changing Reality - Hardcover

Iwao, Sumiko

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0029323150 ISBN 13: 9780029323151

Publisher: The Free Press, 1992

Synopsis

The traditional image of the Japanese woman is that of a dependent deferential housewife. Iwao argues that this image conceals the influence that Japanese woman exercise in the home, and does not reckon with recent socioeconomic developments that have brought more women into industry. Japanese woman are intensely involved in the education of their children. It is this involvement, Iwao argues, that accounts for excellent academic record. They also have a subtle but powerful influence over the conduct of their husbands. Indeed, according to Iwao, American women could learn much form Japanese women about how to exercise control in the household. The shortage of labour in Japan is drawing more and more women into the workforce. This is beginning to have a decisive effect on the role of Japanese women both inside and outside the home, with women becoming increasingly powerful and important to Japan's economic future.

About this title

Review

In a straightforward, meticulously documented explanation of postwar Japanese female society, Iwao blasts the popular image of the Japanese woman as a 'kimono-clad, bamboo parasol-toting, bowing female walking three paces behind her husband.' Iwao presents contemporary Japanese women as the first wave of a socioeconomic change that will irrevocably reshape Japanese society. -- Jeanne Allen "San Francisco Chronicle"

About the Author

Sumiko Iwao is Professor of Psychology at Keio University in Tokyo.

Edition details

• Publisher: The Free Press
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0029323150
• ISBN 13: 9780029323151
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 250