Unmarried Women in Japan : The drift into singlehood

This book aims to answer the question of why many women remain single in Japan, based on life history interview research conducted in Japan. It argues that singlehood increased in Japan due largely to structural barriers and culture, which have caused many women to drift into singlehood. From interviewees’ life history accounts, Yoshida reconstructs the social, cultural, and economic contexts lived through by women of age groups with high never-married rates, and demonstrates how these contexts have had profound impacts on life courses of women, many of whom remain unmarried against their wishes and despite their intent to marry.

Yoshida addresses the common misconceptions of single, never-married women and aims to uncover the major social and cultural factors contributing to this phenomenon in Japan. Based on interviews with married and never-married women aged 25-46, she argues that the increasing rate of female singlehood is largely due to structural barriers and a culture that has failed to keep up with economic changes.

Here is an academic book that is also reader-friendly to the general audience, it presents evidence from the interview transcripts in rich detail as well as insightful analysis. Important sociological concepts and theories are also briefly explained to guide student readers in making connections. Thus, this book not only serves to enlighten readers on current issues in Japan – it also provides sociological perspectives on contemporary gender inequality.