Gender - Keeping it Equal

Last week we began to discuss to roles of males and females in society, particuarly in relation to jobs and family. From our smaller group discussions it was clear that Japan and England were quite similar when it came to equal opportunities in the workplace. Both male and females can do the same job, and there are laws and legislations in place to enable that happens. Less women are taking up the life of a housewife, and more are pursuing a successful career. But it isn't just women's rights which are considered; in the past, males in Japan could not do certain jobs like be a nurse etc and men can now get a considerable amount of time off work as paternity leave.

In England, women can just as driven as men to pursue a successful career. I don't think this attitude is gender specific, more of a personal choice. Some men may be attracted to certain jobs relating to their interests e.i. cars, but there are women who share these interests that also attain jobs in these areas successfully. However, in jobs such as building, plumbing etc,there may still be the notion of 'this is a man's job' and despite laws and legislations, in the interview process there is still room for personal opinion and many may just opt out of giving a female a job over a male.

I think work should be important for both men and women in a family. It should all be equal whether its work-life or home-life. I think its important to have a good balance of both. However, in the case of a child being born, the mother would get a longer paternity leave and so I think it is important for the father to work during this time in order to support the family. Both roles of mother and father are important for children because they can learn a lot of things from both parents. There are some things that are gender specific, like when a child hits puberty, and so one parent then may be able to give the better advice.

Herbivorous Men of Japan そうしょくけい男子

Herbivorous men are not the guys who 'eat their greens', but a generation of guys in Japan who are changing the country's perceptions of masculinity. They are the metrosexuals without the testosterone. Generally, they are less interested in sex, money and job promotion. They take a keen interest in their appearance and are usually skinny. It is said to have come from guys growing up in the troubled economy of the 1990's, and the children have become less assertive and goal orientated. Despite having little or no interest in girls, they are not considered as being homosexual.

This new trend seems opposite to what would be found in England. The guys in England are constantly fighting to be seen as masculine, and to carry an umbrella around or to wear a jumper would be seen as 'gay', and this is an image most hetrosexuals would strive to avoid. As soon as I arrived in Japan I noticed the difference in fashion with the males of Japan. Generally guys here oay more attention to their appearance, they carry 'man-bags' and use umbrellas and have more accessories. I initially thought these people were homosexual, but as each day passed living in Japan I have found that this is just Japanese style and that these guys in fact would be straight, but just take an interest in their appearance. What is perceived as fashionable in Japan just differs from what is fashionable in England.

Its interesting to see that girls in Japan are interested in more herbivorous men, and like guys who are more feminine and like fashion. Whereas girls in England would not usually go for that same type and a lot of girls like the rugby players, or fireman; guys who are masculine and take control.