Sep 13 – 14, 2025
Hitotsubashi University
Asia/Tokyo timezone

Can Unions Close the Gender Gap in University EFL Teaching in Japan?

Sep 13, 2025, 11:25 AM
25m
Main Building 2nd floor (Hitotsubashi University)

Main Building 2nd floor

Hitotsubashi University

2-1 Naka, Kunitachi, Tokyo 186-8601, Japan
25-minute presentation College and University - Related Saturday 2 Room 22

Speaker

Julia Kimura, PhD (Mukogawa Women's University)

Description

This presentation explores gender disparity in Japanese university EFL teaching, a field where women dominate the contingent workforce yet face systemic inequities. Despite broader attention to gender inequality in Japanese workplaces and unions, little research has examined its impact in this context. Drawing on two studies, I analyze interviews with female EFL professionals and their experiences with career advancement. I also investigate their participation in labour unions, revealing the union’s paradoxical role in both addressing and perpetuating gender gaps. These findings highlight the need for more inclusive employment policies and union practices to promote equity for contingent educators.

Author

Julia Kimura, PhD (Mukogawa Women's University)

Presentation materials