Session 4 "Choices in Labor, Sex Education, and Gender"

November 30, 2024, Saturday

Participants: 3

Fourth Meeting of the Gender Role Overcoming Group

"Choices in Labor, Sex Education, and Gender"

Labor and Gender

"Both Mom and Dad are the Main Characters in Parenting"

In the household, the perception that "the primary caregiver is the mother" remains deeply entrenched, and many mothers struggle to balance work and childcare. On the other hand, even if fathers actively try to participate in childcare, they may encounter responses from children like, "I want mama! " This raises questions about whether we should accept such feelings from children as "natural" or if societal expectations placed on mothers unconsciously manifest in children.

There was also discussion about the use of the term in Japanese "Papakko." For example, children labeled as "Papakko" are the children seeking fathers are in the minority, and the background against which children seeking their mothers are considered "normal" may significantly be influenced by societal values. The stereotype that "without a mother, a child cannot feel secure" may reinforce the traditional division of roles in which "mothers take care of childcare and fathers work." Just as there is diversity among children, there isn't just one acceptable way of parenting.

What's essential is to establish a family environment where working mothers and fathers involved in childcare are mutually respected and can support each other's choices, rather than being constrained by the binary opposition of "mother or father." Society should allow for the choice of "househusband" just as it has for "housewife," ensuring mothers can choose to be at home not because society imposes it, but because they wish to do so. The fundamental issue lies in ensuring that the best choices for each family are not based on gender roles but on individual preferences.

"Pink Collar"

The current gender bias in care work has been recognized as a social issue. While office work is referred to as "white-collar," care work is sometimes expressed as "pink collar" in Japan. Associating "pink" with women reflects a fixed view of gender while also carrying the prejudice that care work is a job that should be performed by women.

With the advancement of gender equality, the "Law Regarding the Duties of Nurses, etc." enacted in 1987 revised the titles like nurse, public health nurse, and midwife, adopting gender-neutral terms. However, many women still feel resistant to male support during childbirth, leading to movements advocating for mothers to have the right to choose the gender of their midwives. This highlights that mere renaming cannot fully resolve the issues at hand. Currently, midwifery remains a profession that men cannot pursue.

Issues in Sex Education

"The Divided State of Sex Education"

Current sex education is divided by gender in Japan. For example, classes on menstruation may only be taught to girls, which can contribute to the treatment of menstruation as something to be "hidden" or "embarrassing." In essence, sex education should be about the fundamental aspects of life and should be a body of knowledge shared equally among everyone.

In school settings, students sometimes mock sexual topics, such as leaving books about sex open in the library or teasing about the mating of insects. Such behaviors foster a culture that treats sex as "a subject of teasing" or "something shameful," which impedes the learning environment for sex education and deepens the taboo around discussing sexual matters openly.

In Japanese schools, there exists a rule "stop teaching sex in detail" that restricts in-depth education about sex and sexual consent, making comprehensive sex education challenging. Concerns that "teaching about sex in detail might encourage early maturation" underlie this regulation. However, such restrictions may lead children to believe incorrect information and engage in inappropriate behaviors as they seek to learn about sex without proper guidance.

"The Role of Sex Education in the Family"

Sex education should not be confined to schools; it must also be actively addressed within families. However, discussions about sex in the family are still often considered taboo. Many parents struggle with the question of what and how to teach their children about sex. When children lack direct conversations with their parents about these topics, they may interpret the silence as an indication that sex is too taboo even for parents to discuss, leaving them to grapple with their concerns alone. By fostering an open and communicative environment within the family, children can gain a deeper understanding of these important topics.  

Comprehensive sex education goes beyond simply providing knowledge about menstruation or sexual intercourse. It encompasses teaching the value of life, effective communication with others, and the principles of sexual consent. For example, teaching that "no matter how much you care for someone, if they say no, engaging in sexual activity is unacceptable" is a vital aspect of this education. Sharing accurate and unbiased information about sex from an early age helps reduce the stigma and taboo surrounding it.  

When advancing sex education, relying solely on one’s personal experiences or perspectives can lead to a lack of respect for diversity. For instance, if parents or teachers lack understanding about sexual orientation or gender identity, children identifying as LGBTQ+ may not receive adequate support. Recognizing that sex education is inherently filtered through personal experiences, it’s crucial to foster environments where individuals can learn and share diverse perspectives about sexuality.  

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Future Challenges  

The discussion has highlighted the following challenges:  

1. Reevaluating Fixed Gender Roles within Families  

   The traditional division of roles—mothers as caregivers and fathers as breadwinners—needs to be dismantled. Creating an environment where all family members respect and support one another’s choices is key to embracing diverse family structures.  

2. Institutional Reforms for Comprehensive Sex Education  

   To enable comprehensive sex education, it’s essential to revisit the rule "stop teaching sex in detail" that currently limit what can be taught. Reforming these policies can ensure equal access to vital knowledge about the value of life and the importance of sexual consent.  

3. Creating Education and Family Environments that Respect Diversity  

   Sex education should not be left solely to schools. Families must cultivate open and accepting spaces for dialogue. Parents and teachers need to move beyond their personal filters and engage in sharing diverse perspectives, allowing children to freely explore and discuss sexuality.  

Through this reading group, I hope to continue expanding perspectives on gender and family, fostering a society where free choices, unbound by gender norms, are embraced and respected.

Summary by Danshiro

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Reference

Understanding Gender Studies

Authors: Yuki Senda, Yuko Nakanishi, and Kaoru Aoyama  

An easy-to-read introduction to gender studies, covering key ideas about gender roles and family dynamics. Ideal for gaining a deeper understanding of gender issues.