Description
Book SynopsisAnswering a riddle in Japanese politics: Why do Japanese women turn out to vote at rates higher than men?
Trade ReviewEquipped with... powerful tools, this study sheds light on how political activism quietly developed through grassroots 'women-centric networks,' which have not necessarily been well examined in political science... the author’s effort was devoted to capturing a good snapshot of local activism among women that is changing Japanese politics, which I believe was successful.
-- Takeshi Iida * Japanese Journal of Political Science *
There is much that I admire about this book: Martin's decision to make humble, ordinary women the point of departure for trying to figure out where a democratic resurgence is coming from in Japan; her ability to use a variety of sources, ranging from election survey data, interviews with government officials, and close knowledge of work done on grass-roots political organizing and women’s groups to her focus group discussions; her interest in trying to figure out how group interactions change people from being passive subjects to agents ready to participate in politics.... She uses unconventional approaches and makes feminist arguments for how group interaction helps ordinary Japanese women become active and independent citizens, and in doing so she helps us understand where electoral change in Japan is coming from.
-- Patricia Boling * Journal of Japanese Studies *
By regendering our view of the average Japanese voter, Martin has taken an arresting and thought-provoking perspective. The analysis of focus group discussions and of local efforts to change politics is revealing of how local democracy works, and anyone wanting a close look into the minds and actions of civically engaged women in Japan should definitely read this book.
-- Deborah J. Milly * Monumenta Nipponica *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why Don't They Stay Home?
1. The Political Distance between Citizens and Elites
2. New Styles of Political Leadership and Community Mobilization
3. National Attitudes and Local Action: Changing the Center from the Periphery
4. Politically Excluded "Commoners": A Gendered Pathway to Participation
5. Gender and "Communities of Practice": Escaping the Regulatory Boundaries of Formal Education
Conclusion: Engendering Knowledge and Political ActionReferences
Index
