Ryōsai kenbo : the educational ideal of "good wife, wise mother" in modern Japan /

Shizuko (Kyoto Univ., Japan) has produced a major contribution to the study of modern Japanese women. Originally published in Japanese in 1991, this important work has now been brought into crystal-clear English by Stephen Filler. There is much to admire in this book. First, the argument is invariably laid out with great clarity, careful distinctions among categories, and sensitivity to seemingly small adjustments in nuance that nonetheless produce major changes over time. Second, the author provides clear and easily accessible explanations of the ways in which the meaning of the key phrase of the title has gradually evolved, as Japanese national experience moved through 150 years since the Meiji Revolution. Rather than falling into the many traps available for overgeneralization, Shizuko instead shows with sharp and clear examples how one or another steps led toward what became evolving new directions. This clarity is remarkable in its readability, and makes a convincing case for the author's argument. It is not too much to claim that this is a very important contribution not only to Japanese gender history, but also to the worldwide struggle for improved relationships between men and women. Summing Up: Essential. All academic levels/libraries. R. B. Lyman Jr. emeritus, Simmons College