International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Achievement of Work-Life Balance: Japanese and Foreign Mothers in Japan
Teresa Ann Koide

Abstract
This research looked at the impact the PTA in Japan has on women’s careers from a multicultural perspective. Mixed methodology was employed to analyze data that was collected from Japanese and foreign parents in Japan. The central research questions were: 1. How do Japanese and foreign women’s attitudes differ regarding the priority placed on work and the PTA? 2. What changes need to occur in Japan to allow mothers to pursue a career? The central phenomenon emerged as a need for better work-life balance for both the Japanese and the foreign mothers. In order for work- life balance to be achieved, change is needed in government policies, the employment system, gender roles, and the PTA system. Descriptions of cultural traits are woven in to provide a more insightful view into the societal pressures placed on women and the role of motherhood in Japan.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v3n2a4