Japanese Cultural History: Through The Changing Status of Women
October 22 - November 26
10.45 – 12.45 Wednesdays
£83.00 – £415.00
Description
This course will study the social and cultural history of Japan through the changing roles of Women through the ages. Most social history is recorded through the achievements of men, particularly those based on the Confucian ideology of male dominant social structures. However, women played an important role in determining the course of cultural developments, sometimes as the equal of men, other times being subservient to the male principle, yet finding their own voice and choices during periods of social unrest.
We will analyse the role of women in specific eras, from the Classical to the Modern, and show light on the successes and struggles of Women’s fight for equality in a male dominated hierarchy that lasted for two thousand years.
The series will bring Women into the front row of history to illustrate that social background is important, to show where women are in the current age, especially in other countries where women’s rights have recently been eroded and diminished.
“Very insightful course, thought provoking. Loved looking at how different cultures handle same/similar materials. Thank you so much Suzanne”
Course Outline
22 Oct 2025 – The Classical Court
The Heian Era supported an educated elite that fêted women as highly as men in literacy, knowledge, and sophisticated court culture.
29 Oct 2025 – The Medieval Era
Social upheaval brought women new freedoms and responsibilities to support their warring partners and keep the family records.
05 Nov 2025 – The Unification Era
Conflicting allegiances brought difficult choices, but women had gained new status from the warring period, only to lose it in the next era.
12 Nov 2025 – The Pre-Modern Era
A period of Great Peace where social classes were fixed, and women had little freedom to choose their course out of the pleasure quarters.
19 Nov 2025 – The Period of Transition
The old feudal regime is rejected in favour of progress and Westernisation, and women take new opportunities to change their lives.
26 Nov 2025 – The Modern Era
Having fought for their right to Vote, it was finally given to them by the Americans, and new career paths opened up; but are they equal?