Description
Book SynopsisIn Japan as in the United States, family farming is on the wane, increasingly rejected by the younger generation in favor of more promising economic pursuits and more sophisticated comforts. Yet for centuries past, the village and the family farm have constituted the world of the vast majority of Japanese women, as of Japanese men. The dramatic economic and demographic developments of the past two decades have orced extensive changes in the lives of Japanese farm women, many of hwom have been left virtually in charge of their family farms.
This book is a study of Japanese farm women's lives in the present era: its central figure is 42-year-old Haruko, a complex, vibrant woman who both exemplifies and makes a mockery of the stereotype of Japanese women. Through Haruko we learn the work routine, family relationships, and social life of the women who are the mainstay of Japanese agriculture. Other women from Haruko's village also figure in the story, and the author's observations
Trade Review
'Absolutely fascinating and a delight to read.' Edwin O. Reischauer 'Drawing a portrait of contemporary rural Japanese women by studying family life from the inside is Gail Bernstein's objective in this book. She has succeeded marvelously ... Bernstein presents an account that vividly portrays her subject and illuminates many issues pertinent to women's lives, the Japanese family, and Japanese rural life today ... This excellent volume deserves wide readership.' Laurel L. Cornell, Journal of Asian Studies 'A joy to read ... I will recommend Haruko's World to all who want to know how the Japanese really feel.' Ezra F. Vogel 'This is a deeply human story, told with sensitivity and discernment. A memorable portrait emerges ... The book gives an excellent analysis of Japanese society not often available to Western scholars.' Miriam R. Miller, Agricultural History 'Rch and nuanced description that, like a good novel, leaves the reader amused, edified, and sorry that the final page has been reached.' Ann Waswo, Monumenta Nipponica
Table of Contents
Introduction; Part I. Scholar and Subject: 1. Arrival; 2. Haruko takes charge; 3. Entering the community; Part II. Farm Family: 4. Haruko and Sho-ichi; 5. Men, money, and machinery; 6. Haruko's work; 7. Conflict; 8. Home and school; Part III. Farm Community: 9. Fumiko, the genteel farm woman; 10. Social life and social organizations; 11. Sex and drinking; 12. Yesterday, today and tomorrow; 13. Departure; Bessho revisited; Epilogue.
