Gender and Family in East Asia

This book explores the interplay of modernization and traditional values in shaping gender and family dynamics in East Asia, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by women.

The ongoing reconfiguration of geopolitical and economic forces globally has created a new institutional and moral landscape for family life and gender dynamics in East Asia. Modernization has led to significant changes, including increased educational opportunities for women and greater participation in the labor force. This shift has also resulted in a delay in marriage, lower birth rates, and smaller family sizes. However, traditional systems, such as Confucianism and patriarchal norms, continue to influence gender politics and family relationships in the region.

Gender and Family in East Asia delves into the complexities of gender politics and family culture amid the rapid changes brought by modernization and globalization. The book is structured into three sections, focusing on marriage and motherhood, the interplay of religion and family, and the effects of migration. The contributors highlight how state policies can trigger local changes in gender and family dynamics, the influence of increased internal and transnational migration on East Asian culture, and the role of religion in shaping daily life and gender relations within families.

With case studies from countries such as South Korea, Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, Gender and Family in East Asia offers valuable insights for students and scholars in various fields, including Asian studies, gender studies, anthropology, sociology, and social policy. This comprehensive examination of gender and family in the region provides a nuanced understanding of the ongoing challenges and transformations faced by women in East Asian societies.