The Unspoken Gender Norms in Japanese Manga
Manga, often dismissed as mere comic art, serves a much deeper function as a cultural artifact. It acts as a lens through which we can scrutinize societal norms and values, including the often rigid and traditional roles assigned to different genders.
While the vibrant illustrations and intricate storylines captivate millions globally, the underlying messages about gender can be both subtle and glaring. These messages are not confined to the pages; they spill over into real life, shaping perceptions and expectations that people hold for men and women.
In the context of the workplace, manga frequently perpetuates a dichotomy where men are the breadwinners, the decision-makers, and the heroes, while women are relegated to supportive roles. They are often depicted as secretaries, caregivers, or romantic interests, their worth frequently tied to their ability to support or nurture men. This narrative is problematic because it reinforces the glass ceiling and the gender pay gap, issues that are not just confined to Japan but are global human rights concerns.
The portrayal of women often aligns with the country’s dual-track employment system and traditional gender norms.
Moreover, the influence of manga extends beyond individual readers. It is a cultural export, endorsed by the Japanese government, and consumed by a global audience. As such, the gender norms it perpetuates have international implications. They contribute to a global culture that tolerates gender-based discrimination, thereby becoming not just a cultural issue but a political one as well.
The perpetuation of traditional gender roles in manga is not an isolated phenomenon; it is a reflection of deeply ingrained societal structures that require critical examination. Therefore, understanding the gender politics of manga offers a window into broader issues of human rights and social justice.
The Idealized Woman in Salaryman Kintarō
In the widely-read manga series Salaryman Kintarō, the portrayal of women serves as a telling commentary on societal norms. Misuzu, initially introduced as a confident and self-reliant business owner, undergoes a significant transformation. She evolves from an independent woman to a submissive housewife, a shift that is far from innocuous. This transformation is emblematic of the societal pressures that push women towards domesticity at the expense of their professional aspirations.
Misuzu’s initial independence is noteworthy, but her eventual submission to traditional gender roles is even more telling. She relinquishes her business and autonomy to become a supportive spouse, mirroring the societal expectation that a woman’s ultimate fulfillment lies in domestic roles.
This narrative arc sends a potent message: even a woman as strong and independent as Misuzu should aspire to be a homemaker, prioritizing her husband’s career over her own ambitions.
The implications of such portrayals are far-reaching. They reinforce the notion that women are secondary to men in the professional sphere and should be content with supportive roles. This not only perpetuates gender inequality but also impacts real-world corporate cultures and policies.
Women reading such narratives may internalize these roles, affecting their career choices and perpetuating a cycle of inequality. In a world striving for gender parity, the character arc of Misuzu serves as a stark reminder of how popular culture can both reflect and shape deeply ingrained gender norms.
The American “Other” in Salaryman Kintarō
In Salaryman Kintarō, the character of Janet Taylor serves as a foil to Misuzu, embodying traits that are in stark contrast to the traditional Japanese feminine ideal. Janet is depicted as a ruthless, cold, and manipulative American woman, characteristics that are presented as undesirable and foreign. This portrayal serves a specific purpose: to highlight the supposed superiority of traditional Japanese gender roles over “foreign” or “Western” norms.
The international community should be aware of the cultural products it consumes and consider the values they propagate.
The narrative takes a turn when Janet, initially resistant and assertive, eventually submits to Kintarō, the male protagonist. This submission is not just a plot twist but a calculated reinforcement of the idea that women, regardless of their cultural background or initial disposition, should ultimately be secondary to men. Janet’s subordination serves to validate the traditional Japanese norms represented by Misuzu, suggesting that even a strong, independent woman should eventually yield to male authority.
The portrayal of Janet as the American “Other” has broader implications. It not only perpetuates gender inequality but also fosters a form of cultural nationalism that pits “us” against “them.” By presenting Japanese gender roles as more harmonious and preferable, the manga subtly discourages questioning of these norms.
This has real-world consequences, as it can influence public opinion and policy, further entrenching gender roles and inequalities. The character of Janet Taylor thus serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how popular culture can be a powerful tool in perpetuating both gender and cultural stereotypes.
The Dilemma of Working Women in Kimi wa Petto and Hataraki-man
In the manga series Kimi wa Petto and Hataraki-man, the central female characters start off as strong, independent professionals but undergo transformations that align them with traditional gender roles. Sumire, the protagonist in Kimi wa Petto, is initially portrayed as a successful journalist. However, as the story unfolds, she becomes increasingly submissive, particularly in her relationships with men. Her career takes a backseat, and the narrative shifts focus to her romantic life, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s ultimate fulfillment lies in love and domesticity.
The depiction of gender roles in manga is not just a matter of storytelling but has broader societal implications.
Similarly, in Hataraki-man, Matsukata is a dedicated journalist who is admired for her ability to “work like a man.” Despite her professional prowess, she too faces subordination, both in her workplace and in her personal relationships. She is often overshadowed by male colleagues and is unable to find a satisfying romantic relationship, suggesting that her work-centric lifestyle is somehow unnatural for a woman.
These series, while initially appearing to challenge traditional gender roles by featuring career-driven women, ultimately reinforce the notion that women should prioritize domestic roles. They present a dilemma for working women, suggesting that professional success and traditional femininity are mutually exclusive.
This narrative can have a profound impact on societal perceptions, perpetuating the idea that women must choose between a career and fulfilling traditional gender roles. Such portrayals contribute to the ongoing debate about gender equality, both in Japan and globally, by subtly endorsing the status quo rather than challenging it.
The Gendered Capitalism in Popular Culture
In the realm of Japanese manga, the portrayal of women often aligns with the country’s dual-track employment system and traditional gender norms. Women characters are frequently depicted as office ladies or in nurturing roles, supporting male protagonists rather than standing as independent figures. This narrative serves to perpetuate the societal expectation that women should seek fulfillment through love, marriage, and motherhood, rather than through career advancement or leadership roles.
Even when manga does feature career-oriented women, these characters are seldom shown in executive or managerial positions. This subtle but powerful representation reinforces the notion that men are inherently better suited for leadership roles, while women are more appropriate for supportive or nurturing functions. Such portrayals contribute to what can be termed as “gendered capitalism,” where the economic system is structured in a way that inherently favors men and subordinates women.
This gender bias in popular culture not only reflects existing societal norms but also serves to reinforce them. By consistently depicting women in roles that are secondary to men, manga contributes to the institutionalization of gender roles, influencing perceptions and expectations in the real world. This has significant implications for gender equality, human rights, and the broader political landscape, both in Japan and globally.
The Nationalist Undertones
The depiction of women in manga like Salaryman Kintarō carries nationalist undertones that go beyond mere gender roles. Targeted at younger men who will eventually become decision-makers in the Japanese workforce, these manga serve as cultural guidebooks. They not only reinforce traditional gender roles but also subtly promote a form of nationalism that is deeply intertwined with these roles.
By illustrating what is deemed as “appropriate” behavior for men and women, these manga contribute to shaping the future workforce in a way that aligns with traditional Japanese values. This has the effect of preserving a status quo that favors men in leadership roles and relegates women to supportive or domestic functions. In doing so, manga becomes a tool for cultural preservation, ensuring that future generations continue to uphold these traditional norms.
This nationalist agenda has broader implications for human rights and gender equality. It serves to institutionalize gender roles, making it more challenging to break free from these societal norms. The reinforcement of traditional roles through popular culture thus becomes a political act, one that has a lasting impact on the country’s social fabric and its approach to gender equality.
The Cultural Impact Beyond Japan
The global reach of Japanese manga extends its cultural impact well beyond Japan, influencing perceptions of gender roles across different societies. As manga gains international popularity, the traditional gender norms it often perpetuates can contribute to reinforcing stereotypes about women globally. This becomes even more significant when considering that the Japanese government actively endorses manga as a cultural export, thereby lending it an additional layer of authority and influence.
This international reach raises concerns about the perpetuation of gender inequality on a global scale. The medium’s widespread acceptance can normalize the traditional roles it portrays, making it harder to challenge these norms both within and outside Japan. Given the medium’s popularity among young readers who are still forming their views on gender roles, the potential for long-lasting impact is considerable.
Therefore, the issue is not just a domestic concern for Japan but a global one that intersects with broader conversations about human rights and gender equality. The international community should be aware of the cultural products it consumes and consider the values they propagate, especially when they have the backing of governmental institutions.
Conclusion: The Need for a Paradigm Shift
In conclusion, the depiction of gender roles in manga is not just a matter of storytelling but has broader societal implications. These portrayals serve to reinforce existing stereotypes, limiting opportunities for women and perpetuating gender inequality. For meaningful social progress to occur, it’s imperative to challenge these entrenched norms.
This starts with being critical consumers of media, including manga, and advocating for a more balanced and equitable representation of gender roles. By doing so, we can work towards a paradigm shift that not only enriches our cultural products but also creates a more just society.
Adapté d'un article académique pour un public plus large, sous licence CC BY 4.0
