Tayona shiten kara gender wo miru (Exploring Gender from Diverse Perspectives - Thirteen Lectures at the University of Tokyo)

The Office for Gender Equity (formerly the Office for Gender Equality) of the University of Tokyo Center for Coproduction of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IncluDE) has offered gender-related lectures for undergraduate students in their first and second years (undergraduate program) since the 2022 academic year. This book has been published as a textbook for university students based on the lecture contents from the 2022 and 2023 academic years. These gender-related lectures are structured as an omnibus series. Featuring faculty members primarily from various faculties, graduate schools, and research institutes at the University of Tokyo, along with external lecturers, the lectures cover gender-related topics from diverse perspectives and approaches within their respective fields of expertise. The book comprises 13 lectures, excluding the preface and afterword. It was published against the backdrop of the University of Tokyo’s D&I (Diversity & Inclusion) philosophy and its promotion of diversity education. Reflecting the broad scope of the course, the book allows readers to appreciate how a multifaceted theme spanning theory and practice is through discussions from diverse perspectives offered by authors from different fields and with unique perspectives.

The topics covered in each lecture are remarkably diverse. Beginning with an examination of foundational theories and historical developments of gender concepts, it addresses international comparisons, gender disparities in the labor market, language and bias, and gender issues in school education. Subsequently, it discusses gender from the perspective of various fields, such as religious studies, history of science, popular culture theory, and higher education theory, delving into topics such as care work and redistribution issues, encompassing a wide range of interdisciplinary themes. Further, it meticulously examines critical contemporary issues and includes chapters featuring personal narratives from LGBTQ+ individuals and topics wherein biological and social gender differences intersect, such as infertility and menstruation.

Each lecture develops its discussion through concrete examples, grounded in its respective specialized field. It reveals how issues surrounding gender are deeply intertwined with institutions, culture, and power relations. This book is significant not only for presenting academic insights in an accessible manner but also for providing opportunities for readers to gain new perspectives. Utilizing a lecture-style format, each chapter concludes with questions titled “Let’s Think About It,” and references are provided for readers who intend to deepen their learning. Through such approaches, the content encourages independent thinking. It offers valuable insights not only for university students but also for beginners. The author served as one of the three editors of this book, responsible for compiling each chapter and writing Lecture 1. During the editing process, the opportunity to engage with the latest findings in each field alongside the editors and supervisors proved extremely valuable.

In today’s academic climate, where gender-related discussions attract significant social attention, this book serves as a foundational text for building a framework of thought toward achieving gender equity and navigating diverse perspectives.
 

(Written by OGAWA Mariko, Project Associate Professor, Center for Coproduction of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity / 2026)