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The Father Image in Japan

Traditional Roles and Emerging Realities in Conflict

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Father Involvement in Young Children’s Lives

Part of the book series: Educating the Young Child ((EDYC,volume 6))

Abstract

Japanese society has been reluctant to give up the traditional family model that is believed to be the cornerstone of the economic and social success of its postwar period. In response to the present economic downturn, low birth rate, and graying society, the government has enacted legislation intended to support young families by keeping parents working and encouraging fathers to share household responsibilities, potentially undermining the old father image. This chapter summarizes ways society has responded to such legislation and suggests that revamping the traditional models of father and family presents an obstacle large but not impassable, especially as it may offer new traditions that can help the country get beyond its present economic slump.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Care Department, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, 57 Takenoyama, Iwasaki-cho, 470-0196, Nisshin City, Japan

    Michelle Henault Morrone

  2. Aichi School of Education, 3255-5, Aichi 488-8711, Yamanota, Arai-cho, Owariasahi City, Japan

    Yumi Matsuyama

Authors
  1. Michelle Henault Morrone
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  2. Yumi Matsuyama
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michelle Henault Morrone .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Teacher Education, California State University, Bellflower Boulevard 1250, Long Beach, 90840-2201, California, USA

    Jyotsna Pattnaik

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Morrone, M., Matsuyama, Y. (2013). The Father Image in Japan. In: Pattnaik, J. (eds) Father Involvement in Young Children’s Lives. Educating the Young Child, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5155-2_18

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