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hokkaidokarin's past comments

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  hokkaidokarinMay. 08, 2008 - 01:46PM JST

  It is amazing how many comments here are made by men who clearly doesnt have a clue on how it is to have a child from a female perspective. Being a woman (and foreigner) and a single parent in Japan I would say that there is one thing that is very evident: the japanese society doesnt want to have more children.

  For example: you can not be a single parent. Its not accepted and economically its not possible. Japanese girls want to have a career but if they marry they end up as unpaid housewifes. Many choose not to have a boyfriend because they want to study and work- not to be slaves in the kitchen! And again...as a woman you can not (economically or sociologically) have a child by yourselves. So to have children you HAVE to be married.

  I think it is so tragic that the japanese society is maybe 40 years or more behind in gender equality compared with some countries in Europe. And nobody is doing anything to change that situation. Actually they are working in the other direction! Japan is a male-based society and as I see it, it will take many generations before a japanese man would stay at home taking care of the children or even be prepared to make a meal by themselves (?). Of course there are exceptions but society doesnt really want men to stay at home, do they? The only way to change things is too improve gender equality so japanese women doesnt have to choose to have boyfriend/family/be housewife or to have a career.

  Some statistics if you dont belive me: 50% of all japenese women are unmarried when they turn 30. 97% of all children are borne within the marriage. Only 13% of all children under 3 years of age attend preschool/kindergarden. (Thats approximately how many that can both work and have children!!!) Only 55% of the working ability force of woman do actually work, and if so, often only part-time. (statistics from a swedish paper)

  Typically the problem is put like this: "Todays japanese men (hardworking) wants to marry yesterdays woman (housewifes). Todays japanese woman (hardworking, indepentent) wants to marry the man of tomorrow (with focus on gender equality and higher quality of life)."

  Sorry for being somewhat fragmented and for my bad english: my daughter is sick today and I try to work at home while taking care of her at the same time.

  Posted in: What changes are needed in Japanese society to stop the falling birthrate?

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