Gendered workplace as a double-loop social construct: the case of Japanese women professionals
Critical Perspectives on International Business
ISSN: 1742-2043
Article publication date: 3 October 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically examine the role of women in the Japanese workplace and discusses its implications for gender studies within the context of diversity, equity and inclusion in international business (IB). Employing a social constructivism approach, this paper moves beyond conventional economic typologies and specific cases to offer an integrative and socially embedded perspective for understanding gender dynamics in the Japanese workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
This viewpoint paper critiques existing research on Japanese women professionals, drawing on factual evidence and literature to propose a double-loop gendering framework. This framework explores the socially constructed phenomenon of women in the Japanese workplace at multiple levels, providing a holistic interpretation of gender dynamics.
Findings
We identify five macro-level environmental factors that influence female labour participation, leadership positions and entrepreneurship. These factors are mediated by career motivation, corporate culture and men’s attitudes towards gender equality. Distinguishing between first-loop gendering, which focuses on problem-solving for improved gender equality, and second-loop gendering, which examines the underlying assumptions of social norms, values and beliefs, offers insights into the challenges Japan faces in achieving female leadership and equality. Second-loop gendering may help explain the paradoxical state of Japan’s women professionals, characterized by slow progress in gender equality despite significant political and financial resources. Our analysis reveals complex, multi-level interactions and influences within this socially constructed phenomenon.
Originality/value
This viewpoint paper provides a critical analysis of gender studies in the Japanese context, offering potential avenues for IB explorations. The insights extend to future IB studies, international comparisons of gender equality and the management of gender diversity in multinational corporations (MNCs).
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to express gratitude for the invaluable comments and insightful feedback from the anonymous reviewers, as well as the support and encouragement from editors Noemi Sinkoviks, Matt Raskovic and guest editors’ team. Additionally, the author appreciates the valuable comments received during the conference presentation organized by The Association of Japanese Business Studies (AJBS) in Warsaw in July 2023.
Citation
Zhang-Zhang, Y. (2024), "Gendered workplace as a double-loop social construct: the case of Japanese women professionals", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-12-2022-0124
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited