Japanese women's perceptions of gender roles and leadership and the effects of a Women & Leadership Course: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

In this qualitative, exploratory study, we interviewed 35 Japanese college women about their awareness of gender roles/stereotypes, leadership conceptions/experiences, and future aspirations. We further compared participants who took a Women & Leadership course with those who did not to examine the program's consciousness-raising potential. Using an iterative, thematic analysis approach, several themes emerged, including leadership barriers (e.g., confidence), role model influences (particularly other women), and the course's effects on women's leadership conceptions (e.g., feminine = leader). We discuss our findings in terms of existing literature on Japanese gender roles and leadership and argue that more research on college-aged Japanese women and their professional identity development is necessary to facilitate cultural/policy changes.