Japan’s Efforts to Raise Sunken Fertility Rates in the 21st Century: Escaping a Super-Ageing Society Through Increased Women’s Rights

Abstract

In the last couple of decades, Japan has experienced an enormous drop in fertility rates, leading to a shortage of workers and a large population of pensioners. If fertility does not rise, the population will shrink substantially and the economy contract. The decrease in fertility largely stems from deep-rooted patriarchal ideals and incompatibility between work and family life, especially for women, making childrearing difficult. This essay will examine traditional gender roles in Japan, societal views on women and their employment, and how both affect women and their choices. Furthermore, it will review Japan's efforts to raise fertility rates through increased female employment, women's rights, and additional childcare benefits. Finally, it will account for areas needing improvement and assess whether fertility rates can be elevated through governmental policies alone or if societal changes need to follow.