Gender policies in Japan and the United States : comparing women's movements, rights, and politics

This book is the first to explore the similarities and differences in gender related policy making and outcomes in Japan and the United States. It focuses on the role of women's movements and other factors in determining policy. Three policies are examined: Equal employment, domestic violence and reproductive rights, with additional attention to gender equality policy in Japan and 'family friendly policy' in both nations. The analysis examines the significance of international feminism and new standards of gender equity - kansetsu gaiatsu - as a resource for Japanese feminists seeking policy reform, as well as new trends toward policy cooperation. The future role of the United States, long a leader in policy development for women, is critically analyzed, and Gelb suggests that American feminists and policymakers can learn important lessons from the experience of Japanese women's movements and efforts at influencing public policy.
This book is the first to explore the similarities and differences in gender-related policy making and outcomes in Japan and the U.S., concentrating on the areas of equal employment, domestic violence, and reproductive rights, with additional attention to gender equality policy in Japan and "family friendly policy" in both nations. It analyzes the significance of international feminism and new standards of gender equity--kansetsu gaiatsu--as a resource for Japanese feminists seeking policy reform, as well as new trends toward policy cooperation.
Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction....Pages 1-17 Comparing Women’s Movements in Japan and the United States: Trends and Transformations....Pages 19-40 Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in the United States and Japan....Pages 41-63 Domestic Violence Policy in Japan and the United States....Pages 65-81 Reproductive Rights Policy in the United States and Japan....Pages 83-102 Policies to Harmonize Work and Family Life in Japan and the United States....Pages 103-129 Conclusion: Assessing Policy Change....Pages 131-147 Back Matter....Pages 149-181 This chapter will compare women's movements in Japan and the United States in the contemporary period, from the 1980s to the new millennium, analyzing the structure of the movements in each country and relations with other organizations, including political parties, and the state. An acclaimed political scientist suggests that American feminists and policymakers can learn important lessons from the experiences of their Japanese counterparts. Joyce Gelb. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [157]-174) And Index.