Japan: The Childless Society
For the readings in Jolivet you may refer to class notes and notes posted on the class e-mail site:
From Chapters that all are required to read (Introduction and Chap 1, 2, 3, 6 and conclusion) questions could be related to an essay, short answer or multiple choice.
For the remaining chapters (4,5,7, and 8) only multiple choice questions will appear on the final based on the study questions offered below.
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Chap 1, 2, 3, 6 plus introduction and conclusion.
Read through these chapters and be able to describe the life and problems of young women and men and its impact on society. Use some of the more telling stories provided to illustrate your answer questions like the following:.
In her conclusion Jolivet states..."even though barely 26 percent of women questioned said that they enjoyed looking after their children, almost all made the sacrifice required... They are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain the self-denail that is expected of them..." give some examples of how this is effecting the women personally and society as a whole.
Chap 1 Young Mother's Dilemma
What does Japanese society think of women who leave their children at a daycare center or with a babysitter
What types of major problems are identified for young mothers ?
What does "Okaasan Gambareron" imply for a young mother?
What is the Oketani School and what do they suggest for young mothers?
What is meant by the point: Don't be sever: Be clever dupe your children into submission
Is help from the Fathers okay? What about outside help? Explain.
How much do fathers help?
What is meant by Total isolation the Mailaise of new residential developments
Chapter 2 -- Why have children
The syndrome of the good child -- why do Japanese children study? How does this then effect their relationships with others and confidence?
How does education vary for young men and women?
How have women challenged the law in regards to marriage and employment and what are the results?
What kinds of problems do working women face? How does society think women should balance family and work?
Chapter 3 -- Fathers
Be sure to look at the notes for Chapter 3: Fathers and be able to answer the questions contained in those notes.
Chapter 6 -- Demographic malaise
What is the role of abortion in Japan today? Consider this in regards to the individual woman, the family, society as a whole, and even organized religion.
How does the "pill" fit into this situation?
What are water babies? What is meant by "therapy for the mother or child"?
Conclusion
Based on Jolivet's book, does it appear that women are happy in Japan under the current circumstances?
Hirai Nobuyoshi became famous for his books concerning the need for women to abandon their careers in favor of being housewives. Does he still beleive that? Has he retracted his earlier ideas in print? What's the issue here?
Is there a "silent little revolution" going on in Japan regarding the role of women?
Will Japan be forced to choose between more working women and more foreign workers?
Does Jolivet suggest that Japanese women copy Western models or develop their own?
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The following chapters will be used only to develop multiple choice questions.
Chap 4 -- Ten Commandments
Look these over and the notes provided -- be able to pick several of them out.
Generally what are they emphasizing?
How might these fit well with other chapters and ideas contained in this book?
Chapter 5 -- The Nostalgia for yesterday's mothers
Again look at the notes provided.
What is the difference between the nostalgia for the "Meiji mama" and the reality?
How does this myth compare to the advice being given by experts and the reality of modern women, especially as presented in Chap 1: Young Mothers in a Dilemma.
In the Oshin Syndrome who was Oshin and what does she seem to represent the ideal Meiji Mother?
What is meant in this chapter by the fact that Meiji women lived through their children?
What means were available during the Meiji era to overcome the burden of an excess child?
Chapter 7 The New Order
See notes
Describe "The Hanako Syndrome". What kind of marriage and husbands are they seeking?
What factors are forcing Japanese men into seeking foreign brides? How effective might this practice be? Have the schools for husbands improved this situation?
Chapter 8 The Achievement of Working Mothers
See notes.
What disadvantages do working mothers face in regards to social support and education for their children?
What is meant by "New Husbands' and 'New Fathers'? Is this guaranteeing happiness for women in Japan, or are there additional issues?
Has the situation changed in regards to how much time husbands spend doing house work versus how much time the wives spend on this work?