Social Issues in Japan

(4 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course critically examines gender and social issues in contemporary Japan, combining historical perspectives with an analysis of current debates. Students will explore topics such as the legacy of the Japanese family system, women's labor participation and the gender pay gap, worklife balance, marriage and family structures, LGBTQ+ rights, gender-based violence. We will also analyze the impact of government policies, including 'Womenomics', and grassroots feminist activism, such as the #MeToo movement, in Japan. We will also explore some rising issues in gender equality, including the gender gap in digital, AI and other emerging technologies, and what that may mean for Japanese society in the future.