The Paradox of Gender Inequality between Japan and the Philippines: Issue Framing in Post-War Women’s Movements

Despite Japan’s strong economic prosperity and worldwide influence, it has a relatively low level of gender egalitarianism. The Philippines, meanwhile, while still a developing country, has a higher level of gender equality than Japan. This thesis investigates how social movements in the post-World War II period – specifically the New Life Movement and Women’s Liberation Movement in Japan and the Filipino Women’s Movement in the Philippines – may help explain the economic development – gender equality paradox between Japan and the Philippines. Through an adapted critical frame theory framework and an examination of both secondary and statistical sources, I analyzed the actors, issue frames, proposed social problem and solution, goals, methods, and outcomes of each movement. I found that the issue frame utilized by each movement was connected to its ability to bring about social and legislative change, especially each issue frame’s broadness of scope, adoption or rejection of traditional gender roles, and inclusion or exclusion of government support. Thus, the issue frames utilized by post-war social movements may help explain the economic development – gender equality paradox between Japan and the Philippines. The findings of this thesis are relevant to future studies of social and women’s movements and how issue framing affects movement success.Bachelor of Art