<p dir="ltr">In this thesis, I examine three popular modern Japanese female writers—Takahashi Takako (1932-2013), Ogawa Yōko (1962- ), and Murata Sayaka (1979- ), who all debuted after the peak of Japan’s bubble economy in the late 1980s. Focusing on the works of these three authors, I investigate how they deal with the theme of pregnancy, children, fertility, and family structure, and how they are original in the world of Japanese literature. Since they are all women, in terms of feminist context, I also look into how differently they respond to gender issues from the prior generation of female authors.</p><p dir="ltr">In the Introduction, I begin with an examination of how Japanese society has changed fertility and family structure during the lifetime of women writers, which the author of this thesis aims to depict. Through an analysis of themes such as pregnancy, childbearing, fertility, and family dynamics, these authors offer nuanced reflections on the evolving roles and experiences of Japanese women within the context of a rapidly changing society. Despite their unique literary styles, they share a common interest in challenging traditional notions of womanhood and motherhood, often conflicting with societal pressures.</p><p dir="ltr">In Chapter One, the focus is on Takahashi Takako's narratives, which critique the conventional female trajectory in Japan and the societal pressures surrounding parenthood. In Chapter Two, the examination shifts to Ogawa Yōko's portrayal of female protagonists navigating societal expectations and rejecting traditional paths to womanhood and pregnancy. Finally, Chapter Three delves into Murata Sayaka's exploration of themes related to nonconformity, gender roles, marriage, and the evolving dynamics of Japanese society.</p><p dir="ltr">By analyzing these authors' works, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of Japanese women's experiences and societal dynamics, offering insights into contemporary issues of gender, identity, and autonomy in Japan.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:purdue.edu/oai:figshare.com:article/25611879 |
| Date | 17 April 2024 |
| Creators | Bayan Konysbekkyzy (18387354) |
| Source Sets | Purdue University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis |
| Rights | CC BY 4.0 |
| Relation | https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/_b_Depictions_of_Pregnancy_Children_Fertility_and_Family_Structure_by_Takahashi_Takako_Ogawa_Y_ko_and_Murata_Sayaka_in_Modern_Japanese_Literature_b_/25611879 |
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