The relationship between marriage and career for women in contemporary Japan is undergoing a major transition. In the past, it was common for women to quit their jobs upon marriage, but in recent years, an increasing number of women are continuing their careers after marriage. This is due to improvements in the support system of society as a whole and the diversification of values. This article will delve into the current status of women’s career continuity, enhanced support for life after marriage, and changes in the form and values of marriage.
Current Status of Women’s Career Continuation
According to data from the Cabinet Office, the percentage of working women in Japan is increasing every year. In particular, the employment rate of women in their late 30s and 40s is at an all-time high, and the presence of women who maintain their careers after marriage is increasing. This is due to the following reasons.
1. Changing lifestyles
Married couples have become the norm, and it has become more common for women to work to support the family budget.
2. Increasingly educated women
With the increase in the college-education rate and the number of women with advanced skills, there has been an increase in their motivation to work.
3. Corporate response
An increasing number of companies are creating more comfortable work environments for women, such as by offering enhanced childcare leave programs and introducing flextime systems.
These factors together are increasing the number of women pursuing their own careers after marriage without giving up.
Enhanced support for life after marriage
One factor that has made it easier for women to continue their careers is the enhancement of social support systems for life after marriage. Specifically, the following efforts are being made.
1. expansion of childcare and nursing care programs
Systems for childcare leave benefits and nursing care leave benefits have been developed to alleviate financial concerns. The availability of daycare centers and childcare services has been expanded, making it possible to balance childcare and work.
2. reassessment of the division of roles between husband and wife
Increasing awareness of the need for couples to share housework and childcare responsibilities has reduced the burden on women. The percentage of men taking childcare leave is also on the rise, and a culture of cooperative management of life by the entire family is spreading.
3. support for local communities
In some areas, NPOs and local government services that support families raising children are well established, creating an environment where women can work and live in peace.
Changes in Formality and Values of Marriage
In the past, marriage in Japan was viewed as part of family ties and social roles. Today, however, the forms and values of marriage are diversifying.
1. Increase in de facto and separate marriages
More and more couples are opting for new styles of marriage, such as de facto and separate marriages, in addition to legal marriages. This has made it possible for couples to live their married life while respecting each other’s freedom.
2. Emphasis on the relationship between the couple
Married couples are increasingly emphasizing their values and emotional ties to each other rather than economic and social ties. This has led to the mainstreaming of marriages in which each couple aims for self-fulfillment.
3. Rising age of marriage
The age of first marriage is rising, with many women marrying in their 30s or later. With mature values, more and more are planning to balance career and family life after marriage.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While progress has been made in balancing marriage and career for women in Japan, several challenges remain.
1. culture of long working hours
Long working hours remain a persistent problem in the Japanese work culture. This is a factor preventing women from continuing their careers.
2. Disparity in Childcare Leave Utilization
The rate of men taking childcare leave is still lower than that of women, and the burden of housework and childcare tends to be disproportionately placed on women.
3. disparity in support between regions
While urban areas provide ample support, there are cases where childcare facilities and support systems are lacking in rural areas.
In order to overcome these issues, a change in awareness and further expansion of systems throughout society are required.
Conclusion
In modern Japan, the number of women balancing marriage and career continues to increase. As society’s support system improves and values become more diverse, the time has come for women to freely choose their own lives. However, there are still many issues to be resolved. In the future, it is important to build a social framework that supports more diverse lifestyles and aims to create an environment in which all people can lead their own unique married lives.