From Mothers of the Nation to Global Civil Society: The Changing Role of the Japanese Women’s Movement in Globalization

Abstract

Historically, modern women's movements have developed in the context of the nation. In Japan, the radical 'lib' movement after 1970 criticized the image of national hegemonial femininity centered on the mother and housewife behind the 'export production front' and transcended national representations of femininity and gender. In the early 1990s, the women's movements underwent four further changes: they turned from 'women's issues' to the gender concept, developed an international orientation and networks, intensified knowledge politics in preparation for the coming information society, and engaged in advocating political and legal change. These changes are critical dimensions of the transformation and internationalization of this social movement. From mothers of the nation, Japanese women activists have moved on to become citizens both in the regional and in the global context.