Exploring the dynamics of gender inequality in unpaid work: a panel analysis of Japan's gender revolution framework

Thesis

This paper investigates the dynamics of gender division of labour in Japan from the perspective of the gender revolution framework. The analysis is contextualised within recent policies initiatives aimed at enhancing gender equality in Japanese society. By utilising married individuals' data from the Japan Household Panel Survey in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2020, this analysis empirically examines the effects of women's increased labour force participation on mens' engagement in household chores and childcare.

Methodologically, I employed both Ordinary Least Squares and Fixed-effect regression models to examine time-use panel data, addressing limitations in previous research. Key findings indicate that despite policy interventions, the disparity in paid and unpaid labour between men and women remain largely unchanged. Men's involvement in family responsibilities has not significantly increased in response to women's greater workplace participation. These results suggest that the gender revolution in Japan has stalled, challenging the assumption that societies automatically progress to the second stage of the gender revolution framework.

Furthermore, the study reveals that several predominant hypotheses, which explain gender division of labour, are potentially not supported by the latest data, requiring a re-evaluation of existing theoretical frameworks in the Japanese context. These findings contribute to the sociological discourse on gender equality and provide implications for future policy directions aimed at promoting women's empowerment and work-life balance.

Authors: Kumagai, M

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-do7xeqmej
• Type of award: MSc
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Japan; gender division of labour; time-use
• Subjects: Sociology