The Mountain Is Moving
The Mountain Is Moving describes postwar Japanese societyand the roles that women are expected to play within it. Based oninterviews with hundreds of women, the book examines the education ofwomen, marriage and child rearing, work outside the house, caring forthe elderly, political power or lack of it, and volunteerism. Morleyalso examines a diverse and compelling range of stories and novels byand about Japanese women, revealing both patterns and exceptions.
Morley asserts that the legendary Japanese system of white-collarlabour can only be maintained by the efforts of women who remain athome to care for family. In recent years, however, increasing numbersof Japanese women have begun to seek change and empowerment beyond thedomestic sphere.
A book of extraordinary scope ... With meticulous detail and clarity, Morley sheds light on the evolution of [the Japanese woman's] role.
Accessible academic study ... comprehensive research.
Morley's earnest and intelligent effort to understand Japanese society, her clear prose, and her conscientious survey of many aspects of women's lives make The Mountain Is Moving a very worthwhile introduction to its subject.
Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Is the Mountain Moving?
2. Back to the Future: The Waiting Years
3. Culture: The Master Key
4. Housewives: The Smile of a Mountain Witch
5. Education in a One-Chance Society
6. Facing Two Ways: Women in the Workplace
7. The Twilight Years: Caring for the Elderly
8. Sexual Politics
9. Our Little Noah's Ark Planet: Empowerment through WorkingTogether
10. Firewords: Empowerment through Writing
11. Becoming the Flag: The Twenty-first Century Is Woman'sTime
Notes
Index
