In Japan, the issue of unpaid work is not just a matter of domestic responsibility; it carries enormous economic implications for women. A recent report by the Cabinet Office reveals that Japanese women miss out on approximately ¥111 trillion ($761 billion) annually due to the unpaid household tasks they perform. This staggering figure, equivalent to around a fifth of the country’s economy, sheds light on the gender wage gap and the significant amount of uncompensated work performed by women.
The Unseen Contribution:
The report highlights the stark contrast in unpaid labor between men and women. While men are estimated to engage in ¥32 trillion of unpaid work, this pales in comparison to the ¥111 trillion contribution made by women. Consequently, the findings provide a powerful explanation for the persistent wage gap in Japan’s economy by revealing the substantial amount of earnings lost due to unpaid labor. Experts argue that this vast difference between men and women’s pay rates contributes significantly to the stagnant wage growth experienced in Japan over the past two decades.
Culture and Expectations:
The burden of household tasks and childcare in Japanese society has long fallen predominantly on women. Kanako Katsumata, a mother of two, emphasizes the commonly accepted notion that housework is primarily a woman’s responsibility. While her husband has become more supportive since the birth of their second child, societal expectations often place the onus of household chores on mothers. This prevailing cultural attitude perpetuates the gender divide and exacerbates the inequality in unpaid work.
Scope and Comparison:
By analyzing data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it becomes evident that the average Japanese man spends a mere 41 minutes on unpaid labor each day, the lowest among the 30 countries surveyed. This difference results in Japan having the fourth largest gender gap among OECD nations. In contrast, countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway demonstrate narrower gaps, with the time disparity between men and women being less than an hour. Nevertheless, this imbalance in unpaid labor burdens falls disproportionately on women worldwide, as glaringly demonstrated by the United States where women forgo approximately $627 billion annually due to caregiving duties.
Addressing the Gap:
Experts argue that incorporating the value of women’s unpaid labor into average wages could effectively eliminate the gender pay gap. Naoko Kuga, a senior researcher at NLI Research Institute, estimates that this inclusion would close the gap and result in an additional ¥2 million per person for women in Japan. Dismantling the wage gap becomes even more evident when examining age groups; for those aged 20-44, women would surpass men’s theoretical income if unpaid labor were factored in. However, for the 45-59 age group, men’s income remains higher due to their higher representation in higher-paying managerial roles.
Personal Perspectives:
Reiko Yamamoto, a full-time physical therapist and mother of four, exemplifies the challenges faced by many women in Japan. Despite juggling multiple responsibilities, her pay remains low, and even if the value of her unpaid work were added to her wages, it still wouldn’t match her husband’s compensation. Yamamoto asserts that the reality of her workload justifies a 30% higher pay than her husband’s.
While Japan has witnessed an increase in dual-income households, with women increasingly joining the workforce, the discrepancy in hours allocated to housework remains significant. Acknowledging and addressing the immense contribution of Japanese women through unpaid work is crucial for achieving true gender equality. By collectively valuing and compensating this labor, Japan may take a substantial step toward creating a more equitable society and achieving its aspiration of “new capitalism” under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s leadership.
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