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Women, Work, and Social Change in Japan and Taiwan: Studies in Social Inequality

Bruce Snyder

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Published in Gendered Trajectories: Women Work And Social Change In Japan And Taiwan (Studies In Social Inequality)

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The role of women in the workforce has undergone significant change in recent decades, both in Japan and Taiwan. As these countries have transitioned from traditional agricultural societies to modern industrial economies, women have increasingly entered the paid labor force. In Japan, for example, the female labor force participation rate has increased from 40% in 1960 to over 60% in 2020. In Taiwan, the female labor force participation rate has increased from 50% in 1960 to over 70% in 2020.

Gendered Trajectories: Women, Work, and Social Change in Japan and Taiwan (Studies in Social Inequality)

by Justin A. Frank

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	280 pages

This increase in women's labor force participation has had a profound impact on their lives and on the societies in which they live. Women who work outside the home have more economic independence and a greater sense of control over their lives. They are also more likely to have higher levels of education and to be involved in decision-making within their families and communities.

However, despite the progress that has been made, women in Japan and Taiwan still face a number of challenges in the workplace. They are more likely than men to be employed in low-paying, part-time, or temporary jobs. They are also less likely to be promoted to positions of leadership. And they continue to earn significantly less than men, even for the same work.

These challenges are due in part to the persistence of traditional gender roles in Japan and Taiwan. In both countries, women are still expected to be primarily responsible for childcare and housework. This can make it difficult for women to work full-time or to pursue careers that require long hours or extensive travel.

In addition, there are a number of legal and institutional barriers to women's advancement in the workplace. For example, in Japan, women are not allowed to work overtime or at night in certain industries. In Taiwan, women are not allowed to work in certain jobs, such as mining and construction. These barriers make it difficult for women to gain the experience and skills necessary to advance in their careers.

Despite the challenges, women in Japan and Taiwan have made significant progress in the workplace and in society as a whole. They have fought for and won the right to vote, to own property, and to receive an education. They have also made progress in breaking down traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

The work of women in Japan and Taiwan has contributed in many ways to social change in these countries. Women's increased labor force participation has helped to boost economic growth and to improve the standard of living for all. Women's activism has also led to changes in laws and policies that promote gender equality.

The story of women's work in Japan and Taiwan is a story of progress and change. It is a story of women who have overcome challenges and fought for their rights. It is a story that is still unfolding, but it is a story that is worth telling.

Bibliography

Arai, Y. (2004). Women's labor force participation in Japan: A historical perspective. In T. Ogawa & S. Landers (Eds.),Women, work, and family in Japan (pp. 3-20). Routledge.
Chiang, L.-h. (2007). Women's labor force participation and gender inequality in Taiwan. In C. F. Lee & S. S. Liu (Eds.),Taiwan's economic development and social change (pp. 235-256). Routledge.
Hashimoto, M. (2009). Women and work in Japan: Historical and contemporary perspectives. Routledge.
Huang, P.-h. (2011). Women's work and social change in Taiwan. In C. F. Lee & S. S. Liu (Eds.),Taiwan's economic development and social change (pp. 257-280). Routledge.
Ko, S.-j. (2006). Gender inequality and women's employment in South Korea and Taiwan. In S. S. Huang & J. S. Lee (Eds.),Gender, family, and work in East Asia (pp. 141-172). Routledge.
Lewis, K. (2010). Women, work, and social change in Japan. Routledge.
Tseng, C.-h. (2009). Women's employment and social change in Taiwan. In C. F. Lee & S. S. Liu (Eds.),Taiwan's economic development and social change (pp. 281-304). Routledge.

Gendered Trajectories: Women, Work, and Social Change in Japan and Taiwan (Studies in Social Inequality)

by Justin A. Frank

4.3 out of 5