Japanese Women in Meiji Period

Historians agree that the Meiji era in Japanese history presented a succession of large reforms that were to bring about an improvement in Japanese society. Compulsory education for women and a greater tolerance for debate were amongst the positive improvements of the Meiji era that were to enhance freedom and the position of women. However, even the Meiji government could not change the fundamental psyche of the Japanese and a complex interplay of class, poverty, gender inequality and exploitative forces continued to act against rural women from of masses. This brief essay presents a discussion about women in Japan during the Meiji era and it will appear that although the Meiji government did try to improve the situation for women in Japan, it could not alter fundamental influences.