Discussion Post #10

Gender roles in the Soviet Union and Japan were very different between 1970 and 1990. In 1970 women were working in factories and making money in the Soviet Union while Japanese women were still encouraged to rear children. By the 1990s gender roles had changed somewhat as women in Japan now had equal opportunity employment legislation passed for them, but education for women still centered on being a good mother. In Russia and the former Soviet Union women achieved a greater degree of autonomy than women in Japan. They could work and were not looked down upon for doing so. Even though the rights of women improved in Japan they are still nothing compared to what Russia has and the Soviet Union had.

The Soviet Union prided itself on equality, and they took that aspect of communism to heart. Women were encouraged to work just as the men were. This was a great thing about the Soviet Union, as they were one of the first countries to truly acheive gender equality. In fact, they sent the first women to space twenty years before America sent theirs. Japan, on the other hand, was not so enlightened. The Japanese were still steeped in tradition, and women recieved less rights than men socially. It is a shame that Japanese women did not get to be as free as the Soviets were.

In 1970, the Soviet Union had more rights for women. As a communist country it was proud to make the women and men all equal, this included education and job opportunities open to everyone. As James said above, the women were encouraged to work. While in Japan it was not until the 1990's when a law was passed to give education and a form of equality to women along with the opportunity to work. unfortunately the women's education still was focused on child rearing. It would be as if all girls at Mountain Pointe were forced to take child development at least three years. Except more encouraged on Japanese women. Currently the education is completely equal to both women and men in Japan. The Soviet Union/Russia is still ahead in the race for women's rights though.

Women's roles in the Soviet Union and Japan differed greatly from 1970-1990.
First, the Soviet Union was at the time communist, which means that all people were thought of as equal. Women were just as capable as men of working in factories and any other job. This is very different then Japan becasue their women were not equal until the 1990's. This means that they couldn't work the same jobs as the men could for many years longer then the Soviet Union. For all its problems, the Soviet Union had women's sufferage way before the more technologically advanced Japan did.

During the late 1900s, it is seen that women in Japan have less rights than the women that lived in the Soviet Union. Women commonly work in factories in the Soviet Union and had suffrage, while women in 20th century Japan are still limited to the traditional functions of women in society. This is due to the communist system in Russia. Communism strove for equality among all, and as such this equality extended to gender, giving women rights that were not seen in the more traditional system of late 20th century Japan. Although Japan started to give more civil rights to women by the 1990s, their education was still limited to traditional functions for women, such as child rearing.

Throughout the 1900s, gender relations where shifting globally. Women were receiving more rights and stereotypes of "women's work" were being challenged. The Soviet Union created legislation that gave women equal rights and equal pay as men. "Legally speaking, Russian Women were better off than women anywhere in the world," (qtd. in Spodek 649). That being said, the actual effects of this freedom was that women carried a "double burden"; that is, they were expected to manage domestic affairs and raise children while balancing a job in the factories.
Japan's age old traditions proved more obstinate than those of the Soviet Union. Women in 1970-1990 were largely expected to remain in the house and raise children, not to work jobs. Education for women was seen as a way to better their marriage, not their work. Not until 1986 did the Equal Employment Opportunity Act begin to break the stereotypes.
Obviously, Russian women had more freedom, but with this came an additional burden. It is open to debate, based on one's values and opinion, which society truly had a better scenario.

@Elan: I agree with you that Russian women clearly had more rights than Japanese women. I also liked your use of the communist style of government as explanation for this difference. I had not considered that. It is important to note, however, that women in the Soviet Union were still expected to raise their children, thus placing upon them twice the responsibilities that Japanese women had.

Also Tommy has a good point about Soviet women still having to raise children. The women's double burden did get in the way of women doing everything they wanted. Women did become the majority of teachers and medical occupations though in the Soviet Union, they also became a slowly overpowering minority in engineering, technology related, and law related occupations.

In both instances, we see that the modern age has brought Japan and Russia as close to true gender equality as the circumstances would allow. In Russia, women were as free as men by having as little freedom as men did, but were still in a good situation from a purely feminist perspective. The fact that both Russia and Japan created a new culture to erase an undesirable past was very beneficial to feminism as old traditions and ideas about women were removed to fit the new, practical ideal. I would say that Japan has been more successful, however. In Russia, not many important women can be seen in politics or art or any public form of power. The Russians are still adhering to communist ideals, which means strength and therefore masculinity are promoted. The capitalist economic revolution is Japan is not gender specific, business and education are fields in which women can excel as well as men.

Responding to James Anolick. Firstly, I don't appreciate you referring to me by the derogatory term "troll". In fact I highly object to it!

However, I agree with your points that laws aren't always reflected in culture. Take for example the United States in Jim Crow South. Technically blacks were supposed to have equal rights, but the implementation of the law contained many loopholes designed to allow the continued exploitation of blacks.

Responding to what Mariha said. I agree that the different treatment of women depended somewhat upon political ideology. The Soviet Union was far more left wing than the conservative Japan, and thus it wanted gender equality, whilst the Japanese were against it.

@ James
I agree with your points on the rights of women in the Soviet Union and Japan. I agree that the Soviets were great in the fact that they recognized gender equality way before Japan did.

women in the soviet union was the closest to doing everything that men could. in soviet union they were able to work and actually make a living for themselves. in Japan they were kinda like stay-at-home moms like some moms are today. but as time went on women got a little more freedon but still not as much as men

The soviet union had much more rights for women. They wanted all of their people to be equal, both women and men. This was largely because they they were a communist country. There were many equal jobs and opp. For education. Japan on the other hand did not have equal rights for men and women until the late 1900’s. Right now both places are Farley equal as far as learning, but Russia is still ahead on womans rights.

At the beginning of the 1970's women in the soviet union where encourage to join the working community. In fact many had already do so because the had to replace e the male working force during world war 2. The communist goverment at the time was very open to gender equality. In fact when Lenin took power back in the 1920's he promised equality for all including women. By the 1990's they had earned suffrage and other civil liberties.

Women in Russia were encouraged to join the workforces. This was because nearly all of Russia's men were being used in one way or another. Russian women got more freedom then Japanese women, but it seems that Japanese women have more opprotunities to prove that they are equal.

From my experiences in Japan and what I have read in the book, after the war, many of the woman in Japan were having a rough time getting back on their feet. Well obviously this was the same for everyone, but it was even harder because of the consequences the atomic bomb caused. Women were still expected to stay at home and continue to try and raise their families. But when the next generation came around, all children including girls were expected to succeed at whatever they did. In Russia, women were working in the factories and taking care of children. Most women had the same responsibilities as the men, because they needed as many hands to do the work as they could get. Having so many more rights for women made things a lot easier for the female population since they had a better opportunty to succeed at their jobs and do other things as well.

Sorry i didn't finish first post computer problems. Japan is the exact opposite of Russia even in the 70's they held women not equal in society to men. The women were encourage to be home makers. By the 90's japan's desire to be great encourage women to become educated and active members of society. Women were found to have higher iq's than men in cases.

Mikayla -
You brought up a very good point about how the women were encouraged to join the work force in Russia. I had not thought of this, but it is very true. You also make a good point by explaining why: because the men were bust being at war, so the woman had to fill their places in factories. I do not agree with you when you say that Japanese men and women have equal rights. I think men have a little better rights.

Rick –
I agree with you that the roles of women changed greatly during this time period. I had not thought of that the Soviet Union was communist at the time, which means that they are all equal. This is a good point. You are also right about women in Japan not being equal till the 90’s. And also your woman’s suffrage in Soviet Union comment was good! Good point!

From the 1970's to 1990's during the cold war era in the Soviet Union women had a suprising amount of rights in comparison to the Japanese women. I believe that because Russia was pressured by the United States in the cold war they didn't mind the women helping out in the workplace. However in Japan women were encouraged to stay in the house and help with the kids. Over time though there has been a transformation and now Japanese women are equal to men and allowed in the workplace. Overall the Soviet Union still had superior equality to women and men than that of Japan in the time era.

@ Alicia
I completely agree with you points and like some of the examples you use to get the point across. Its true that Japan women defenitely had less equality compared to Russian women. Also your example of the atom bomb and how it effected the society and women's role in the workplace was an intresting point.

The status of women was frowned upon to some extent in both the Soviet Union and in Japan; however, the degree to which the gender equality differed is extremely different. In Japan (in 1970), women had no significant rights and they worked at home merely to raise the family and nothing else. Their major role was to take proper care of the cooking and cleaning needs of the house and family. The participated in no finances and did not work in any factories or industries. In the Soviet Union, things were a little bit different in 1990. To begin with, the Soviet Union was communist which automatically geared their ideology to giving all people equal rights. Here, women were participating in factory work and they were bringing in money and not relying on their husbands financially as much as women in Japan were. Education was open to women as well. A reason for this may be that the Soviet Union wanted to create a society similar to that of the USA (and in the USA women were pretty close to men in terms of equality). In 1970, women achieved greater equality to men in the Soviet Union. However, things changed for the better, especially in Japan. Things in the Soviet Union remained fairly constant in terms of gender equality due to the fact that the role of men and women was closer to being with 1980, women started to branch off and did more jobs our of the house. The long life expectancy of Japanese women and since they had fairly small families, Japanese women started to branch themselves out into the labor force outside the house, but unfortunately their main job was still childcare. .

Sorry there were some typos in my blog.

First of all, it is supposed to say, ...little bit different in 1970.

Then it is supposed to say: Things in the Soviet Union remained fairly constant in terms of gender equality due to the fact that the role of men and women was closer TO BEING EQUAL IN THE FIRST PLACE. IN 1980, IN JAPAN, women started to branch off...

I'm really sorry for this. My computer submitted my response before I proof read it!

The gender roles regarding women in Russia vs. Japan boil down to just communism vs. tradition. In Russia, communism promoted full equality between men and women. Women were allowed to work alongside men, and still are to this day.
In Japan, women were encouraged to stay at home and nurture the kids. Cooking, cleaning, and other household duties were performed; under no circumstances should a woman go to work for or with her husband. Although circumstances are coming closer and closer to equality in modern Japan, the book clearly says that they are not fully there yet.

Clint -

I like how you analyzed possible reasons for Russia's equality in gender roles! It would make sense that Russia felt pressured and inspired by the US's political and cultural views, and modeled their society after them. Good thinking!

@ Hadley
I agree with all of your points as well! Also thanks for your input to my post. The communism vs. tradition statement is the perfect way to appropriately illustrate the differences between women and men in both societies. Also I couldn't agree more when you mentioned that Japanese women stayed at home as opposed to working. Also both you and Priya have convinced me that even during the 1990's Japan still hasn't fully gotten to the point where women are fully equal to men.

In the 1970's to 1990's women in the Soviet Union had many more rights than those in Japan. Mainly because Russia was communist and thought everyone should be equal. Women could have jobs outside of the house with the men. In Japan it was more traditional and women were staying at home cooking cleaning and taking care of the kids. It was not until the 1990's when Japanese women gained rights and started working outside of the house. According to the book they started working outside of the house because of the longer life expectancy and they only had a few children, they still usually only worked part time and took care of the house and children.

James,
I really like how you brought up the women in space this goes to show that they not only got to work in the factories they had equal opportunities.

In the USSR, women had far more civil rights than in any other country. Many women worked in factories and earned wages. They also entered professions such as medicine and education. Although unenforced, laws were put in place that ordered 'equal pay for equal work'. This is largely due to Russia's adoption of communism.
Japan, however, was far more traditional. Women were confined to household duties and were expected to be good wives and mothers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act has allowed for more working rights for Japanese women.

@James: You make an interesting point. In both Russia and Japan, legislation was passed that was intended to give women equal opportunities, but was not enforced. This is seen in the Russian government's order for equal pay and the Japanese EEOA.

The roles of women within the post-war era (1970-1990) vary greatly from Russia to Japan. For instance, even after the conclusion of the war, Russian women remained in factories and for the most part, were able to keep their occupations even with the return of their husbands. In fact, they were treated extremely well as they were granted benefits such as maternity leave with full pay. Kochan and Abraham clearly state, “legally speaking, Russian women were better off than women anywhere in the world” (qtd. in Spodek 649). As the roles of women progressed over time, women held occupations within the medical, teaching, and engineering fields; therefore, their job opportunities greatly improved. On the other hand, women were expected to take care of the family and home while working a full time job (called their “double burden”). This difficult burden grew more harsh with industrialization increasing in 1929; however, even more women could now have occupations within the now booming factories. Although the “double burden” of women in Russia does not appear to be attractive, several countries at that time did admire their efforts. In addition, Japan’s treatment/expectations for their women were quite diverse from Russia. Despite the fact that some believed the “Good Wife, Wise Mother” belief (held by the Meji) was being altered, the women were still expected to primarily care for the children and house. The pattern of employment for women has been referred to as the “M-curve” as they work after education until they have children, then they return to work for a short period of time before caring for their parents (Spodek 672). Though the “M-curve” does seem to support women working for a while, Japan’s legal system remains in favor of the wife at home. Therefore, it is clear that women in Russia during the post-war era managed to achieve greater equality with men when compared to the women of Japan.

Alicia, I definitely agree with your first response as you stated that the women of Russia were clearly in possession of responsibilities similar to those of the men. You were absolutely correct in saying that Russia was in need of as many workers as possible to run the factories and therefore, the women were given jobs to support industrialization. On the other hand, I do not believe that the Russian women were enduring an easier situation than Japan’s women as the “double burden” remained difficult; however, I respect your opinion.

In the 19700’s, women were being encouraged to get jobs in factories, farms, and even in the armed forces. Because if communism, women were allowed to work alongside men but were also expected to raise children, hence the term ‘double burden’. In the 1900’s in Japan, efforts were being made to make women and men more equal but as others have said, they are not completely considered equal, even today. In both places, women were expected to take care of children, even if they held a job.

Bailee,
I like how you talked about how Japanese women were finally allowed to get jobs, but only because of their longer life expectancy and the fact that they had fewer children. It is sad that these women were not given equal rights because people thought they deserved them, but because they did not have as much to do at home.

Women in the Soviet Union from 1970's were encouraged to get jobs in factories, farms and even in military production. The reason for this is because USSR is a communist country so they believe that everybody is equal, so they let women do the same jobs, that men used to do. The USSR was also in a weapons race with America during this time period. Japan was pushing for a more industrialized country, so they want to make women more equal to men. The only problem is that Japan has a lot of tradition, that they do not wish to get rid of.

Why can men and women be separate but equal, some jobs are more such has child raising are better done by women, not being sexist but women are naturally better at it. Just as men are more adapt at physical labor. Now don't get me wrong some women are super strong and some men make great care givers but generally this is the case. Plus there is always gender neutral jobs. It's not sexist is realist and its nature since the beginning women have given birth to children and men have provided. I just saying look at movies like daddy day care men are bad child care givers and women are more suitable.

The roles of women in both countries greatly varied between 1970 to 1990. In these two decades, women of the Soviet Union were engaged greatly in their industrial sector, while women in Japan were just becoming acquainted with technology. Even at the end of the Soviet Union, former Soviet women still had a competitive edge against their Japanese counterparts.

@ Garrett

Garrett your recent statement seems quite skewed. Recent political correctness has taught us that all jobs are gender neutral. Very few jobs, if any are designated solely for women or men.

Ajay, I agree with your response as you cleverly pointed out that women in Russia were far better off than women in Japan due to the acceptance of communism. In addition, you are correct as you stated that “equal pay for equal work” within Russia greatly promoted equality between men and women, whereas Japan remained traditional as the women stayed at home.

@Brandon: You are absolutely correct. The majority of jobs are gender neutral, and this is why Russia and Japan made efforts to give women equality in jobs and pay.

The roles of women in the Soviet Union and those in Japan varied greatly from 1970- 1990. Women in the Soviet Union were allowed to work in factories and have jobs just as the men did. This was because the Soviet Union was Communist. In Japan the women were not allowed to have jobs outside of the home because they were not given the same rights as men. Even though Japan wanted to become more advanced they were behind because their tradition would not allow women to do work. Eventually women managed to obtain jobs in Japan, but they still were not as equal as the women in the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union was first in line to create a closely equal status for women and men. Women there were enouraged to work in the factories, while continuing their duties at home. Women were not permitted the highest jobs, in comparison to men, but they were regarded equal and given sufferage as well.
On the other hand, Japan did not begin their strive for equality until 1990. In 1990, they passed the equal employment opportunity act. this allowed women to work, and gain some education. Although japan's equality was no where near as encouraged as Russia's. At this stage, Russia enforced equality due to the communistic beliefs, and in some ways the western styles. Yet Japan supported the idea that women bear children, and stay at home to hold the household down. They wanted a more tradtional patriarchal society. In japan women had less duties and less rights, where as in the soviet union women had more right and more duties. The Soviet Union women were most equal in comparison to men, yet they were entitled to maintain a job, the family, and the home at the same time.

James,
i really like your comment regarding how the soviet union put the first women into space many years beofore any other country thought of it. The Soviets/ Russias society is truely geared toward maintaing equality in their society and willing to prove it. Of course communism is not something i admire or would ever want, but i believe in some ways can have positive effectts. For instance, when japan passed their act in 1990, it was there, yet not many in Japans society were effected by it. The traditional style simply continued on because equality was still frowned upon and the home was still considered the "proper" place for them. The act was their, yet nothing reeally enforced it. Although in communist countries like China and Russia, the all laws are enforced, and can SOMETIMES, not all the time, lead to good things. You may not agree but this is how i see it.

Rachel,

I like how you talked about how Japan was looking to keep a more traditional society. Like you said, women did have fewer duties; this was because they did not get the chance to do more. It would have been completely socially unacceptable if a woman was out working all the time in Japan during this time period. Good job.

@Victoria
I agree with you points, especially on the "double burden". A lot of people forget that while Russia was equal with its rights, the women were expected to carry out an exhausting set of tasks. Working in a factory on top of takinng care of a household and children is an extremely difficult thing to do.

Lauren,
I like how you pointed out that women in Russia may have had more rights but that does not mean that they had it easier cause they did have a double burden! Good point.

Audrey,
You make a good point in stating that Japan did not start giving equal rights until the 1990's, and even then the women were not as equal as those in the Soviet Union. The women their had many rights and had had them for a long time. Good ideas.

The roles of women in Russia and Japan are significantly different. In Russia, women are given more rights, as well as opportunities. Their jobs are not limited to child care, like in Japan. Not only are they allowed to work in factories, but in specialized jobs as well. It is not uncommon to have female Doctors or Engineers, showing how their jobs were greatly improved, and the equality that now existed between men and women. Under the Soviet rule, women had a "double burden", which meant they had to fulfill their work requirement, as well as their child care and domestic responsibilities. In comparison, women in Japan were still primarily responsible for child care. They were not given as many rights, and they were not considered equal to men. For these reasons, it is obvious that it was easier to achieve equality as a woman in the Soviet Union, although the roles of women have always been very controversial, even to this day .

@Audrey

I like how you talked about Japan creating equal rights, and how even then, they were not able to the achieve the same equality that the Soviet Union established. I do not agree with your statement about women not being to work in the higher jobs. It was no uncommon during this time to have women working in the medical, engineering, or teaching occupations. This shows how greatly the job opportunities increased. Good Ideas and points though :)

World War I brought the women in Russia to work. They were needed in the fields and factories while the men were fighting. After that more and more rights for women came about over the years. In the 1970-1990s women were given equal pay for equal work. Equality was enforced. Soon women were having professions in medicine, teaching, engineering, and law. The women, however, did not forget about their original duty. They were still in charge of taking care of the home and raising a family. On the other hand, Japanese women saw their main objective was to raise a family. This belief continued until around 1980. Women were still taking care of the home, but soon perspectives were changing. Women were branching out and starting to work outside of the home. They were still basing it around their family and working between taking care of their home. In 1986 Japan passed an Equal Employment Opportunity Act which allowed women to work at night, at part-time employment and low wages jobs, just like men. Overall, Russian women were able to achieve greater equality with men then Japan was.

Hadley,
I agree about what you said of Russian women working alongside men. However, Russian women were also supposed to take care of the home. They had double duty. They were responsible for nurturing their family, like the Japanese, but they also worked to earn money for their families.

Gender roles were different in Japan and the Soviet Union diring 1970 and 1990. It consisted of more job opportunities. Japan for instance had equal opportunities for employment and equal pay for equal work now offered...(gave). Even though there were a larger number of job opportunities women still had to take care of their children too. Also, there was the option to take birth control and have child abortions.(rights) But before all of this, The Soviet Union allowed women to work way before Japanese women were able to.

Gender roles were different in Japan and the Soviet Union diring 1970 and 1990. It consisted of more job opportunities. Japan for instance had equal opportunities for employment and equal pay for equal work now offered...(gave). Even though there were a larger number of job opportunities women still had to take care of their children too. Also, there was the option to take birth control and have child abortions.(rights) But before all of this, The Soviet Union allowed women to work way before Japanese women were able to.

Gender roles were different in Japan and the Soviet Union diring 1970 and 1990. It consisted of more job opportunities. Japan for instance had equal opportunities for employment and equal pay for equal work now offered...(gave). Even though there were a larger number of job opportunities women still had to take care of their children too. Also, there was the option to take birth control and have child abortions.(rights) But before all of this, The Soviet Union allowed women to work way before Japanese women were able to.

Responding to James:
I entirely agree with your sympathy for the Japanese, it truly is a shame that the Japanese women did not get as many rights as the Soviet women. those girls had it made, for sure.

What some people are failing to see here is that we are specifically looking at the social equality that women had with men. Soviet women were looked at as much more capable than Japanese women. While the Japanese were looked at as only able to work in the house and help with domestic things, Soviet women were encouraged to enter the workforce head on with governmental protection for things such as maternity or flexible work schedules. Japanese women were cautious and mostly took part time jobs. When compared with men, Soviet women definitely look more like men than Japanese women do. If anything, the women were even more successful than men with their double duties. Not very many men had to deal with that kind of thing. In short, women rule! :D

@ Alicia C:

I do not agree that women had it easier in Russia. Although they may have had it better, or more equal, easier is not the adjective to describe their lives. They had double burden(I can't remember the exact phrase) so they had to balance a family and domestic responsibilities on top of a job. Japanese women only had to deal with the family part. In addition, the entire communist idea wasn't exactly pleasant.

the AP Blog thing is off! I definitely commented for two separate days.

Vicky G -

Hey, I really like how you brought in the term "double burden", of working both at home and then in a job. It gives a good perspective in the Russian way of life - even though it was "easier for women in Russia than anywhere else", in respect to rights, it must have also been more difficult, because they had more work to do. Good job!

Carly,
I like your point of view for this topic. People in Russia thought that women were capable of the jobs that they were given. In Japan, they were wanted at home, but that does not mean they were not capable of the jobs. We can assume that they were capable of working since they were taking some jobs, but they focused more on traditional views and the people struggled with changing their ways.

In 1970, the Soviet Union and Japanese civilizations had very different perspectives on the roles of woman. The Soviet Union had a greater acceptance of women. By this, I mean that woman had more of an opportunity to work and make money. During this same time, the Japanese woman were still required to consider working at home and raising their children their main priority. They were very traditional in that aspect. By 1990, the differences in the two countries were not as large. The Japanese women were beginning to become more equal, though the women in the Soviet Union were already enlightened.

In Japan at that time, life was not as easy for women as it was for Russian women. Since, as I said earlier, all of Russia's men were off doing something else, the women had to work all of the factories and such, so if they refused to work, then nothing would geat produced. The Japanese womnen, however, were still behind in what they could and couldn't do compared to men. I believe that if all countries had allowed women to work, then it would have been more productive, and efficiently, because there would have been more poeplt to chack for errors that might occur.

Women in the Soviet Union enjoyed a greater sense of equality when compared to those of Japan. The Soviet Union had a true sense of gender equality, as women were lawyers, doctors, scientists, etc. In Japan, women faced a more chauvinistic role, as they were expected to play the ancient role of the Japanese woman, who were supposed to stay and home and take care their children. These roles contrasted greatly.

@Priya-
You are absolutely correct. You made a good point about the life expectancy of women. How do you think that the education systems concerning for Russia and Japan compared to the rest of the world, not just the US?

Women in the Soviet Union were much better off than women in Japan. In Russia women were allowed to work and were equal to men. They even had the same pay as men. They worked in basically any profession a man could, like doctors and lawyers. Women in Japan at around 1970 were focused on their families and raising the children. They did not work in factories like women in Russia and they had no civil rights. It was not until 1990 that women women in Japan had rights. Women in Russia were far better off than women in Japan, or anywhere else in the world for that matter. Russia deffinatly had more equality between men and women than Japan.

Soviet women were Encouraged to get jobs outside the home so this way women wouldn't have to devote their whole life to raising a family, instead they can work and get paid for what they did even though the pay between men and women differed. Japan, on the other hand still wanted women their women to stay home and take care of their families instead going out and workng in factories and such.

Tommy,
I agree, Soviet women did carry a double burden. The Japanese women did not because they only needed to look after their families, whilst women in Russia had to work in factories and raise their children. This is really what could have proved that women are equal to men because they worked as much as the men did and still managed to raise children. Stalin even thought that since everyone is in this communist country then everyone should help to improve it.

Women of the Soviet Union had greater freedoms and were more equal compared to men than women of Japan. Japanese women were expected to stay home with children while the men of the house went off to work. On the other hand, Russian women were encouraged to leave the house and get jobs in factories and such alongside the men. The women in the Soviet Union had more work to do, because they were still supposed to raise their children, even though they now had jobs. Although it was more work for them, they were now considered equals because of the communist government.

I agree, it IS a shame that women were not considered equal to men like the women in the Soviet Union. I also liked how you said that Japan was more traditional in thought about the roles of women and their place in the household and in society. Good job!(:

James!
I agree, it IS a shame that women were not considered equal to men like the women in the Soviet Union. I also liked how you said that Japan was more traditional in thought about the roles of women and their place in the household and in society. Good job!(:

@ Stephanie

You stress an excellent point. Women in the Soviet Union were years ahead of women in Japan. Even today, the women of Japan (rural villages) have certain traditional roles they are asked to follow.

Mariha, I completely agree with what you are saying. I liked your parallel between MTP and Japan. It is true that in communist governments, all were supposed to be created equal and this is what prompted the stronger need for women's rights.

In the Soviet Union, women were often out in the work force while in Japan, women were still thought of as stay at home wives. Japanese women had main jobs of taking care of children and maintaining a steady household, while men made a living. On the other hand, the women of the Soviet Union were more inclined and able to be apart of the workforce and often maintained jobs in factories. Also, the women of the Soviet Union had more rights than the women of Japan. Women were thought of more equally in the Soviet Union while men were still higher and better in Japan. Although women of the Soviet Union had jobs, they still were responsible for raising children and keeping the house straight.

@ Kalina
I completely agree with you on this. Like you said the women were much better off in the Soviet Union rather than Japan, simply based on the fact of women of the Soviet Union had more rights. Also like you said they were considered to be pretty equal with the men including jobs.

Sorry that was mine...

Rights were the main thing that separated the women from Soviet Union and from Japan. Women from the S.U was allowed to work: in law and medicine, in engineering, and technicians. In fact, they actually became the majority, which is definitely not seen in Japan. They were able to keep their jobs and roles in the industralized factories after the war. In Japan, women were seen more as stay-home mothers and not as ones who could work in such vigorous areas that men worked in more. Soviet Union women had more equal rights with men than the woman from Japan. The simliarity is that, for both countries, the women were still expected to maintain the household and watch the kids. Around 1990, women in Japan began to gain some rights women in the Soviet Union already had, such as working at part-time jobs.

Rights were the main thing that separated the women from Soviet Union and from Japan. Women from the S.U was allowed to work: in law and medicine, in engineering, and technicians. In fact, they actually became the majority, which is definitely not seen in Japan. They were able to keep their jobs and roles in the industralized factories after the war. In Japan, women were seen more as stay-home mothers and not as ones who could work in such vigorous areas that men worked in more. Soviet Union women had more equal rights with men than the woman from Japan. The simliarity is that, for both countries, the women were still expected to maintain the household and watch the kids. Around 1990, women in Japan began to gain some rights women in the Soviet Union already had, such as working at part-time jobs.

McKinley:)
I love how you included the fact that Soviet Union women had the "equal work, equal pay" factor. The dates you included are quite impressive and I completely agree that Russian women had greater eqaulity with men. That is so true! Not only could they have jobs that some countries believed as blasphemy for women, but they also excelled at these jobs too, without the oppression!

In Japan women were very restricted as to what they could do. They had no say and were often mistreated my their husbands. Things such as foot binding were in practice. They had no rights at all and no position in the political world. Russian women on the other hand were very equal among society. They began becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers etc. This changed because of communism. Before women didn't have much say in the political world as well but then because communism believed in equality it therefore effected women roles in society. Women gained many more rights and were treated somewhat as equals to men. It was a very positive step for women during that time.

@ Josh:

Like Stephanie noted, I really like that included how traditional the Japanese are. This is true. Throughout the years they have kept their same culture and virtues. They've never really been the type to follow others and their movements, at least when it comes to culture. Because in the past this was how women were said to be treated, to them, it had to mean that in current time they were to be treated that way. It's sad but also a very respectable characteristic of the Japanese. Although, now, they are much better about rights and equality. There has to be a balance.

Tommy, I agree with what you said in your post, especially when you mentioned the "double burden" placed on the women of those times. It was unfair that they should have to support both sides of the family (through care-giving and financial support). I think that though this may seem reflective of the communist government growing in these areas, the women should still not have been created equal. After these changes, they were, in my mind, held at a higher calibur than men who only a "single burden" :)

The roles of Soviet and Japanese women varied greatly. To begin, te Japanese oppressed their women, as they were expected to stay at home and raise the family while their husbands went out and worked at whatever their day/night job was. This was ery different from the role of Soviet women, as the USSR wanted everyone to work, so they stood behind their women and their education. As a result, the Soviets a great percentage of women who held positions requiring good amount of education. There included, but were not limited to: astronauts, doctors, lawyers, and engineers. In conclusion, there was much difference between women of Japanese and Soviet nationality.

Women in Japan were pushed by their society to revolve around being a good supportive mother as women in the Soviet Union were pursuing much more individually productive jobs like working in the factories. Russian Women has equal rights as men. There was a legislation that passed in Japan that allowed women to pursue more productive jobs than just being a good bearing mother. Russian women are not seen as strongly in political matters for communism supports masculinity.

Carly!
I like how you said that women in Japan were seen as being less capable than Soviet Union women. I didn’t really think about them as being “less capable,” but I guess to others it would seem like that considering they basically only took on jobs in the home, while Russian women were becoming factory workers, nurses, teachers, ect. as well as taking care of the children. Oh, and women do rule. So good job(:

Cindy,
I agree, Japanese women were only seen as mothers. They could not work or hold job positions. They were subordinate to the men and had no rights. This changed in 1990 because these women were given the rights women in other countries, like the Soviet Union, already had. The Soviets were treated with much more equality than the Japanese.

Stephanie,
You are right. Women were encouraged because Stalin saw them equal to men. That was his basis of Communism, he saw everyone as equals so all Russians were equal. So he encouraged the women to do everything a man can do, like become a doctor or engineer. The Japanese were not treated like this.

the roles in soviet and japan were very different soviet women were actually working in factories and earning benifits from it whereas japanese women had a more common role as a mother women in the soviet were basiclly doing everything anatomy and earning degrees. but japanese women had education about upringing

@ john
nice job on really extending the detail of the oppressed japanese women. i like how you listed the jobs of soviet women

SHANE (not Sean!:)
I definitely agree with you in that women were playin diff roles in soviet and jap. japs deff played the mother more than soviet union women because the S.U. women were going into the medical field and engingeering.

SHANE (not Sean!:)
I definitely agree with you in that women were playin diff roles in soviet and jap. japs deff played the mother more than soviet union women because the S.U. women were going into the medical field and engingeering.

SHANE (not Sean!:)
I definitely agree with you in that women were playin diff roles in soviet and jap. japs deff played the mother more than soviet union women because the S.U. women were going into the medical field and engingeering.

At Alicia
I liked the way how you referenced your own exper iin Japan.
and i like the way how you mention the russian women were also a big part in childrens life

The Roles of women were equal as to the roles of men in the Soviet Union. While in Japan they were not equal. In the Soviet Union women had the same job oppurtunities as men since Communism supported equality. But in Japan, women roles were mainly to have children and raise them.

Alyssa, i agree with you on your statement with the japanese and the Soviets. The Soviets did have a greater appreciation for women and that is better, to have than what the Japanese have.

Alyssa, i agree with you on your statement with the japanese and the Soviets. The Soviets did have a greater appreciation for women and that is better, to have than what the Japanese have.

Alyssa, i agree with you on your statement with the japanese and the Soviets. The Soviets did have a greater appreciation for women and that is better, to have than what the Japanese have.

@Frank,
I agree with you because even though women in japan did get more rights the main focus still being a good mother/wife

@Audrey
I agree with you in saying that communism can sometimes have good effects, because afterall it is the reason behind the rights women had in Russia. For example in countries such as China and Switzerland i think, they completely banned the idea of using plastic bags, because it was bad for the environment. China basically charged people to use them and that ended the use of them. Communist countries can enforce things such as this and it will become a national appeal. Where as Japan for instance created the equal employment act, yet traditons were still preferred and women still thought of a meager portions of society. Communism is not a good thing, but women rights were immediately accepted in Russia because of it.

@Shane.
I agree with our facts and views on the roles of women in the Soviet Union and Japan. Like we both stated in our responses, women in the Soviet Union had actual jobs while the women of Japan had to care for their families only.

@Shane.
I agree with our facts and views on the roles of women in the Soviet Union and Japan. Like we both stated in our responses, women in the Soviet Union had actual jobs while the women of Japan had to care for their families only.

I agree with your facts and views on the women of Japan and the Soviet Union. Just like we both said in our responces, wome n in the Soviet Union had actual jobs while the women of Japan only had to care for their families.

@Cindy-
Why do you think the Soviet women went into more fields than just medicine and engineering. They enjoyed immense equality when it came to employment opportunities.

@Hadley-
You make a good point about communism versus tradition. It is unfortunate that Japan is still not equal when it comes to gender rights. When do you think that they will attain said rights?

Hey, I think your mostly on target with this, I wouldn't say I am completely on the same page, but its not really that big of a deal .

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