Presentation Information
[HbDz7mzy-03]Reframing Care: From Redistributing the Burden to Sharing Human Fulfillment—and Advancing Research Careers
Hazuki Maehara (President, Life Portfolio Co., Ltd.)
Context
Achieving gender equality and improving the social status of women require a more equitable distribution of care work. However, when efforts to promote this redistribution are framed primarily as protests against or struggles with men, they may unintentionally deepen tensions between women and men, making it more difficult to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
Key Issues
How can we encourage greater participation of men in care work? What approaches can motivate men to see care work as personally meaningful and to engage in it proactively, rather than as an external obligation?
Approach
This presentation proposes redefining care work as activities that promote the well-being of oneself and one's loved ones. By recognizing that engaging in care work enriches one's own life—not only the lives of others—we can encourage men to take greater ownership of care responsibilities. This presentation offers a broad conceptual perspective rather than reporting the findings of a specific academic research study.
Key Messages
Time is one of our most valuable and irreplaceable resources. Intentionally investing time in care work and family life can enrich family relationships, create meaningful memories, improve health, and enhance overall quality of life.
Although Japan continues to face a significant gender gap and men's participation in childcare and care work remains limited, this situation also has consequences for men. Many become overly tied to their work, making it difficult to build strong family relationships, maintain their own health, develop connections within their communities, or find a meaningful "third place" beyond work and home. As a result, many men experience reduced well-being and a diminished quality of life.
Rather than framing participation in care work as a burdensome obligation imposed on men to compensate for gender inequality, this presentation proposes it as an opportunity for both women and men to lead healthier, more fulfilling, and more meaningful lives.
Implications for Science and Society
This perspective contributes to gender equality while promoting partnerships in which care responsibilities are shared more equitably. Such partnerships can help ensure that women—including women researchers—are not disadvantaged in their career development because of disproportionate care responsibilities. Ultimately, this approach supports the creation of a society in which both women and men can achieve greater well-being while realizing their full personal and professional potential.
Achieving gender equality and improving the social status of women require a more equitable distribution of care work. However, when efforts to promote this redistribution are framed primarily as protests against or struggles with men, they may unintentionally deepen tensions between women and men, making it more difficult to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
Key Issues
How can we encourage greater participation of men in care work? What approaches can motivate men to see care work as personally meaningful and to engage in it proactively, rather than as an external obligation?
Approach
This presentation proposes redefining care work as activities that promote the well-being of oneself and one's loved ones. By recognizing that engaging in care work enriches one's own life—not only the lives of others—we can encourage men to take greater ownership of care responsibilities. This presentation offers a broad conceptual perspective rather than reporting the findings of a specific academic research study.
Key Messages
Time is one of our most valuable and irreplaceable resources. Intentionally investing time in care work and family life can enrich family relationships, create meaningful memories, improve health, and enhance overall quality of life.
Although Japan continues to face a significant gender gap and men's participation in childcare and care work remains limited, this situation also has consequences for men. Many become overly tied to their work, making it difficult to build strong family relationships, maintain their own health, develop connections within their communities, or find a meaningful "third place" beyond work and home. As a result, many men experience reduced well-being and a diminished quality of life.
Rather than framing participation in care work as a burdensome obligation imposed on men to compensate for gender inequality, this presentation proposes it as an opportunity for both women and men to lead healthier, more fulfilling, and more meaningful lives.
Implications for Science and Society
This perspective contributes to gender equality while promoting partnerships in which care responsibilities are shared more equitably. Such partnerships can help ensure that women—including women researchers—are not disadvantaged in their career development because of disproportionate care responsibilities. Ultimately, this approach supports the creation of a society in which both women and men can achieve greater well-being while realizing their full personal and professional potential.
Comment
To browse or post comments, you must log in.Log in