Global Education
5
An international comparison of gender equality: Why is the Japanese gender gap so persistent?
Abe-Estevez, M. (2013). An international comparison of gender equality: Why is the
Summary
Japan is significatly lagging behind other advanced countries in the realm of gender equality. Since the passage of the 1985 Equal Employment Opportunity Act, the economic status of women has remained below the average as compared to more advanced coutries such as the US and Spain. Employment and educational opportunities are examined.
The researchers identified (i) gender equality in employment in developed countries, (ii) incentivized policies to promote employment of mothers, (iii) discrimination in the workplace, (iv) professional identity of highly educated women and the educational system, and (v) the future of Japanese women. The researchers believe that these particular areas have impacted gender inequality in Japan.
The researchers used data from various resources to support their findings. The most intersting finding related to the higher ed implications in promoting inequitable gender practices. High ed insititutions do not shape the professional identity of a Japanese woman. Instead, Japanese women receive their job-relevant skills and the formation of their occupational identity while on the job. Significant dierences still reamin in terms of earnings and types of employment opportunities for Japanese women.
Critique
While the findings are not surprising, there is more research that needs to be completed. The value of women is underrepresented in the types of employment opportunities and educational preparations available. More research to compare regional earnings and educational opportunties is needed. Finally, research in this area is necessary to compare Japanese-American women with traditional Japanese women's opportunities in the US.
Japanese gender gap so persistent? Japan Labor Review, 10(2), 82-100. Retrieved from http://www.jil.go.jp/english/JLR/