Japanese Female Degree Holders

An article posted on Japan Today's website cites a recent OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) states that Japan possesses the lowest ratio of female degree holder's among the groups 30 members. Unfortunately, the article is rather sparse in specifics and I have been unable to find the original survery at the moment. However, I will venture a few personal observations on why Japan, a country that prides itself on its education system, possesses so few female degree holders.

Observation #1
Japan has a system of female junior colleges that offer 2 years of higher education. Unlike the college system in Canada which often acts as a stepping stone towards university, once the students graduate, they generally enter the workforce. From people I have met, they tend to focus on subjects such as child care, cooking, clerical skills, and languages. Thus, after graduating, they enter the workforce until they are married. Most of my female Japanese friends tend to work in offices doing basic accounting and clerical work at hospitals or offices. Once they find or are introduced to their husband, they often quit their jobs to focus on rearing children. Once the children enter the school system, they often return to the workforce in the same position as before. Thus, the junior college system helps to ensure that females do not gain the education necessary for advancement in the workplace.

Observation #2
From magazines to television, the objectification of women is rampant in Japanese society. Even on regular daytime shows, women parade around in bikinis to advertise products. Women's roles in variety shows seems primarily relegated to either a supporting role or giving looks of surprise and shock when they are exposed to something new. With few exceptions, women are in the background while the male host is in obvious control. Therefore, female viewers are exposed to very few role models who display the benefits of higher education and, instead, are shown that exuding cuteness and innocence is what is expected of them.

Observation#3
In my town office, all the important officals are male. For example, in the board of education with a staff of six including me, two are females. One, as expected, plays the role of the clerical worker, making copies and ensuring that our tea cups are always full of hot green tea. The other is the assistant to the section head. She is constantly busy, answering the phone, dealing with mountains of paperwork and all her other responsibilties. Her frenzied level of activity is in sharp contrast to the leisurely paced section chief. His mornings always begin with a carefully reading of the morning paper. It is often followed by checking out the catalogue of the latest product that he wants to purchase. Most tellingly, when 5 o'clock arrives, he is the first to punch his card and make a quick exit. The assistant, however, almost never leaves at 5 and on the odd occassion that she does, other people make sarcastic comments. From what I can perceive, despite enduring long hours and demonstrating ceaseless dedication, most females are never rewarded with promotion or increases in pay. Given this lack of recognition and chance for advancement, it is little wonder that many females are content with remaining in positions that offer comparable pay but do not require a huge sacrifice in their personal lives.

Obviously, these are just personal observations and lack any rigorous investigation. However, it is sad to see obviously talented and exceptional females being unable to fulfill their potential due to a system that does not reward female's for pursuing their education and careers. Obviously, there are exceptions and many Japanese females have made important contributions in a variety of fields. However, as the survey indicates, many Japanese females are denied the ability to fulfill their potential by a society that tends to relegate females to supporting roles and looking good on TV.