The Feminist Cultural Exchange Between Japan and the United States: A Study of Articles 14 and 24 in the Japanese Constitution

Author

Kiara Adams, Utah State University

Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Political Science

Abstract

This paper explores the feminist cultural exchange between the United States and Japan, focusing on how this exchange has shaped each country’s respective feminist movement. A central component of the paper is its examination of the histories of women’s rights in both nations, shaped by key historical events such as war, economic crises, and feminist activism, and how these histories have influenced current gender policies. It also explores how cultural narratives, including the creation myths of Japan and the U.S., have defined gender roles and women’s rights in each country. Through historical analysis, the paper examines the reciprocal influence between U.S. and Japanese feminist movements, beginning with pre-WWII interactions and extending into postwar reforms. Specifically, it highlights the significant role of U.S. geopolitical interests in shaping Japan’s postwar constitution, which incorporated groundbreaking gender equality provisions through Articles 14 and 24. Furthermore, the paper examines how Japan’s post-WWII model of legal gender equality influenced global feminist discourse and U.S. legal reforms. The study also addresses modern implications, including ongoing struggles for reproductive rights in both countries. By analyzing how war, economic crises, and feminist activism have shaped gender policies in Japan and the U.S., the paper emphasizes the ongoing tension between feminist ideals and national interests, particularly in relation to women’s roles in the workforce, family law, and reproductive rights. This study highlights the dynamic and continuing nature of feminist exchange between the U.S. and Japan, illustrating how the history of each country’s gender policies continues to influence global feminist movements.

Recommended Citation

Adams, Kiara, "The Feminist Cultural Exchange Between Japan and the United States: A Study of Articles 14 and 24 in the Japanese Constitution" (2024). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1044.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1044