The Transformation Of Gender Identity That Resulted In Herbivore Men

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A.    Background of the Study

One of the more conservative and culture-based countries in Asia is Japan.  Also known as “The Land of the Rising Sun,” Japan is a haven of culture and arts which makes this small country proud of its heritage.  Throughout its history, Japan had managed to overcome various adversities by being resilient from internal and external variables.  In addition, the strong sense of nationalism among the Japanese paved way to an onward development, which in turn, led to Japan’s rise to power.

Now one aspect that the Japanese values the most is culture.  Along with this are the various dominant traditions which served as strict guidelines to them.  These dictate how one must act and live his life; hence, becoming major considerations for their way of living.

In relation to this, a well-defined gender system is implemented in Japan.  Men and women are expected to play different roles based on society’s standard.  In a study by Ms. Kitamura Yuko entitled, Gender Equality Dilemma in Japanese Society: How Traditional Idea s Affect both Women and Men, she explained that;

In a nutshell, men assume an assertive role in daily activities while women are more involved in child care” (http://www.bunkyo.ac.jp/faculty/lib/slib/kiyo/Int/it1901/it190105.pdf).

This is a direct evidence of the existing strong patriarchal system in their society.I have come across an article by Ms. Bell Hooks entitled, Understanding Patriarchy.  Ms. Hooks said that;

Patriarchy is a political-social system that insists that males are inherently dominating, superior to everything and everyone deemed weak, especially females, and endowed with the right to dominate and rule over the weak and to maintain that dominance through various forms of psychological terrorism and violence (http://imaginenoborders.org/pdf/zines/UnderstandingPatriarchy.pdf).

Patriarchal system is prevalent in almost all aspects of Japanese society – family, community, work, etc.  Ms. Meiko Makita in her study, Gender Roles and Social Policy in an Ageing Society: The Case of Japan further discussed that;

Traditionally, Japanese women have been encouraged and expected to take on care responsibilities, whilst men fulfil their role as breadwinners and providers of the needs of the family to ensure that the wellness of all (http://www.ep.liu.se/ej/ijal/2010/v5/i1/a04/ijal10v5i1a04.pdf).

Such gender roles exist in Japan.  Furthermore, this is an affirmation of how Japanese men and women still locate themselves in the household setup, at the least.But in the present time, this patriarchal system is challenged by the emergence of the gender group labelled as, “Herbivore Men” or “sôshokukei danshi” in Japanese language.  I have encountered a paper by Ms. Christina Akiko Tamaru entitled, The Herbivorous Men of Japan: Negotiating New Masculinities.  In her paper, Ms. Tamaru explained that;

The herbivore men consist of young, heterosexual guys who are in their 20s-30s and choose not to commit in any intimate or sexual relationships with the opposite sex.  They focus more on recreational and leisure activities and devote more time on their hobbies instead of interacting with the opposite sex (https://dspace.lasrworks.org/bitstream/handle/10349/1172/Tamaru_CA.pdf?sequence=1).

These herbivores deviate from the traditional Japanese males, who are, by virtue, upholding the salarymen stature.  Further, Ms. Emma Furbo Vig in her study, The Herbivore and the Salaryman: New and Old Masculinities in Japanese Idol Productions explained that;

This type of man is not interested in women and sex and does not wish to step in as a salaryman in the Japanese business life, but would rather live a hedonistic life of consumption and focus on his own hobbies and other activities he deems important(http://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=3358333&fileOId=3358341).

Now Mr. Masahiro Morioka’s research entitled, A Phenomenological Study of Herbivore Men provided a thorough account of these herbivores.  His research focused on understanding the difference of this new breed of males to traditional Japanese men.  According to Mr. Morioka;

From 2008 to 2009 the phrase herbivore men was widely taken up by the mass media and in the process its meaning was extended (http://www.academia.edu/4683156/A_Phenomenological_Study_of_Herbivore_Men_).

In his study, he also listed the general characteristics that surfaced among his participants (herbivore men).

These traits are in direct contrast to the traditional characteristics possessed by Japanese males.  Masculinity in Japan runs deep to its historical roots.  Most Japanese men still believe that their primary familial role is to provide economic support; thus, they do not pay too much attention to their responsibility of participating in childcare.

Moreover, Ms. Kitamura Yuko explained in her study, Gender Equality Dilemma in Japanese Society: How Traditional Idea s Affect both Women and Men that;

A number of Japanese fathers ensure their masculinity at home and indulge less in housework because they are overworked at their jobs, which are the usual characteristics of salaryman (http://www.bunkyo.ac.jp/faculty/lib/slib/kiyo/Int/it1901/it190105.pdf).

Given the current condition that herbivore men face in Japan, more and more scholars have become, and are still are, interested in conducting various studies related to this gender group.  These conducted researches focused on the psychological aspect of these herbivores in order to fully understand their cognitive stance.  Some of these researches centered on historical data to compare traditional Japanese and herbivore men.   However, other factors that resulted in the transformation or shift in gender identity of Japanese males may have been insufficiently considered, if not overlooked.

In this regard, this study will attempt to explain this transformation with consideration to the economic, social, and psychological areas of Japanese society.  This research will also identify the different factors present in the mentioned areas that greatly influenced the said transformation.

B.     Statement of the Problem

What Factors caused the transformation that resulted in Herbivore Men?

C.    Significance of the Study

Researchers, Scholars, and Academic Practitioners.  This study will be useful as reference to future researches done in the academe regarding gender roles.  Knowledge derived from this paper may serve as foundation in the pursuit of understanding about Japan’s Herbivore Men.  Aside from this, this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge in relation to understanding gender and sexuality, in particular.

Lawmakers and Law Enforcers.  In essence, findings of this research may serve as basis for some lawmakers in drawing up gender-sensitive rules and regulations intended to promote individual welfare and development.  Parallel to this, this research may also be used as a reference for law enforcers to implement these rules and regulations with utmost understanding of gender and sexuality; hence, ensuring fairness and upholding justice.

Media Practitioners.  In general, result of this paper may influence media practitioners in how they portray men and women, may it be in radio, TV, print, or social media.  In this regard, this study may be utilized to design a more gender-sensitive approach in media, as a whole.

D.    Scope and Delimitation

This research only focused on the economic, gender, and social factors that resolved in the transformation of gender identity in herbivore men.  Other factors, such as political influences, among other related variables were not looked at in this research.

The study also focused on herbivore men alone.  Other breeds of men, in the present time, were not studied due to the concentration of the paper’s overall theme.

Because of time constraints, only internet-based resources have been used as reference in this paper.  Bulk of these references came from Japanese scholars with only a handful of western studies included.  Moreover, no interviews with actual members of sôshokukei danshi were employed.

Furthermore, the research was not actually conducted due to the purpose to which this paper is intended for; hence, no research methodology is proposed.

E.     Definition of Terms

1.   Herbivore Men – A type of man who is not interested in women and sex and does not wish to step in as a salaryman in the Japanese business life, but would rather live a hedonistic life of consumption and focus on his own hobbies.

2.   Sôshokukei danshi­ – The Japanese translation of Herbivore Men.

3.   Salaryman – A symbol of the ubiquitous everyman, the kigyo senshi or corporate warrior, without whom the post-World War II economic miracle would not have been possible, and who was (and still is) both the beneficiary and the victim of its fallouts.

4.   Gender Identity – Refers to “one’s sense of oneself as male, female, or transgender.

5.   Transformation – The various factors/ aspects that this research utilized to explain the transformation that resulted to the emergence of herbivore men.  This also encompasses the various aspects of the society that the researcher looked into in order to explain the relevance of the herbivore men in Japanese society.

·         The Economic status – Variables in Japan’s economic system, such as purchasing power and employment, which were observed in this paper.

·         Women’s Influence – Variables present in Japanese females that were deemed influential to the emergence of herbivore men.

·         Japanese Society – Variables in Japan’s social structure, such as family, peers, and media that were looked observed in this paper.

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What factors caused the transformation that resulted in Herbivore Men?

I.       The Japanese Herbivore Men

The sôshokukei danshi or herbivore men are a group of young Japanese males who, in general, deviate from the traditional standard of masculinity in Japan.  These herbivore men claim to be heterosexual despite the fact that they do not engage in neither intimate nor sexual relationships with women.  Instead, these males focus on their hobbies and other leisure activities, such as video games, fashion, manga, etc. which in turn, changes their perspective and obedience in following the strict gender roles in Japan – men are seen as carnivores (aggressive) while women as herbivores (passive).  Moreover, Japanese men follows the strict salaryman culture, which identifies their duties and responsibilities in the society; thus, dictating how one must act.

And although the emergence of the sôshokukei danshi definitely posed great threat to Japanese masculinity, some social groups have viewed their existence as an added-value to the ever-changing time.  For them, these herbivores offered an alternative into the stiff social structure of Japan.  Not only that, some also considered the sôshokukei danshi as the new beta males of Japan, which may be brought about by external factors no longer controlled by the Japanese.  In this regard, this section will provide a thorough discussion with the various positive benefits that the herbivore men provide to their society.

II.    The Herbivores’ Significance

A.    The Economic Status

One factor that may have led to the transformation of herbivore men is Japan’s economic status.  In Japan, males are perceived as more important and representing compared to women, in terms of labor force.  The salaryman system has been the standard practice among men since this structure played a vital role in reviving Japan’s struggling economy.

Ms. Aulia Dwi Nastiti’s paper entitled, Redefining the Concept of Counter Culture: Study Case of Soushokukei Danshii provided more inputs to how herbivore men feel about the salaryman structure.  According to her;

Result of some studies revealed that herbivore men are trying to refuse the conservative views in some aspects.  Soshokukei danshii show their dislike toward the salary-man routines with overtime works and hierarchical occupation as fundamentally unsatisfying, as simply a doorway to a monotonous life of small rewards, so they prefer part-time jobs while pursuing and not compromising their passions, dreams, and aspirations (http://www.academia.edu/7185200/Redefining_the_Concept_of_Counter_Culture_Study_Case_of_Soushoku_Danshii_Final_Paper_in_Counter_Culture_and_Arts_Course_).  

In a nutshell, this affirmation simply explains why herbivore men came to be.In Japan, the purchasing power has been greatly attributed to the female force.  Most women are expected to be housewives.  And part of their activities includes grocery shopping and buying the needs of their children at school.  Aside from this, women are also beauty conscious.  This means that health and beauty products are commodities deemed as both a need and want for them.  But with the emergence of the herbivore men, the trend differed.

I have come across an article by Mr. Brian Solsberg entitled, The New Japanese Consumer.  In this article, Mr. Solsberg pointed out that;

After decades of behaving differently, Japanese consumers suddenly look a lot like their counterparts in Europe and the United States.  Japanese consumers are changing not only what they buy but also the manner on how they buy it.  They also prefer to spend time in malls (http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/consumer_and_retail/the_new_japanese_consumer).

This may be anxiety-driven due to the fact that Japan is in an economic downturn.  In addition, Japanese are devoting more time at work compared at home which may decrease their time for other activities.Now in a study by Mr. Kyojiro Kagenuma entitled, Grass Fed 2: Herbivore Men and Japan’s Troubling Economy, he discussed that;

The average Herbivore man can earn 6 million Yen annually; after income tax, this would yield 3.6 million Yen or $36,000 net, which amounts to 300,000 Yen or $3000 monthly.  Deduct monthly cost of living at the outskirts of Tokyo, which is 120,000 Yen, the Herbivore Man will still have a disposable income of 180,000 Yen, or $1800 - about 5 times more disposable income than if he was married (http://mgtow.forumotion.com/t137-grass-fed-2-herbivore-men-and-japan-s-troubling-economy).

In simple terms, this means that these herbivores are more capable than traditional men in terms of purchasing power.  Since the herbivore men also prioritize health and wellness, as they are very conscious with the way they look, beauty products intended for men’s use are a booming commodity in Japan.  And based on Mr. Solsberg article, he furthered stated that;

The emergence of a new generation with radically different attitudes is another reason for the change in market priorities among companies and suppliers (http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/consumer_and_retail/the_new_japanese_consumer).

In support of this, Mr. Kagenuma still in his study, Grass Fed 2: Herbivore Men and Japan’s Troubling Economy, further explained that;

In fact, though Japan's marketplace has traditionally catered to women, the Herbivore men are becoming a growing consumer market in Japan with many products that are specifically designed for them.  If this trend continues, then we should see a shift in purchasing power from women to men.  What this would do is create new products and services that are uniquely male-oriented, just as video games had been uniquely male for the best part of 30 years (http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/consumer_and_retail/the_new_japanese_consumer)

Now if this trend continues, then the sôshokukei danshi will not just change how commercial companies think, but may also create economic opportunities for people along the process.  A simple economic logic: if the demand over a certain good or service increases, then the supply should increase as well.  To do so, companies will have to increase production, which means requiring more man-power that will most likely lead to employment.  The herbivore men have truly become major players as consumers and in the process; help sustain the harmonious economic balance of their country.

B.     Women’s Influence

Another reason for the herbivores emergence may be attributed to the opposite sex  females.It could be said that men are not only the ones who have undergone transformation.  Just like the males, Japanese women also reacted to the reversal of roles in their society.  Since herbivore men tend to act as passive, women transform into becoming the aggressive ones.  This paved way and opened a new dimension to the female species as well.  Moreover, this change brought positive change into the way women live and feel.

I have come across an article by Prof. Jhana Bach entitled, From Boxed-In Daughters to Carnivore Women: Using Gender Metaphors in the Classroom.  In this article, Prof. Bach discussed that;

The shift in masculinity made famous by grass-eating men seems to have given rise to a corresponding shift in femininity, engendering carnivore females, women who are straightforward about getting what they want (http://www.academia.edu/2264598/From_Boxed-In_Daughters_to_Carnivore_

Women_Using_Gender_Metaphors_in_the_Classroom).

This implies that Japanese women have become assertive in their own way, veering away from tradition like the herbivore men; hence, becoming carnivore women.Prof. Bach also mentioned that;

A carnivore woman pursues whatever she wants like a predator, whether it is sex or career success. Carnivorous women are looked upon as 99.9% undesirable.  These ladies are interested in relationships, and are pro-active enough to go out and seek them even without the approval of other people (http://www.academia.edu/2264598/From_Boxed-In_Daughters_to_Carnivore_

Women_Using_Gender_Metaphors_in_the_Classroom).

With this description, it can be said that the traits of the conventional Japanese males and females have indeed reversed.  However, unlike the case of the herbivores, changes in Japanese women may have been considered positive in their country.  Women are now empowered to make informed decisions, which in turn promote gender equality in Japan’s society.Now emergence of carnivore women should not solely be blamed to the herbivores, and vice-versa.  Bear in mind that there is a mutual influence of one gender group to the other that led to said transformation.

C.    Japanese Society

The last culprit for the emergence of herbivore men is none other than the society itself.  Unlike other Asian countries, Japan’s society, which integrates culture and tradition, has a high regards to the various norms and mores established since time immemorial.  In reality, these traditions are strictly observed and practiced even in the present time.  Moreover, these standards have become the guide for the Japanese daily-to-day activities.

I have come across Mr. Meiko Makita’s study entitled, Gender Roles and Social Policy in an Ageing Society: The Case of Japan.  According to Mr. Makita;

Traditionally, Japanese women have been encouraged and expected to take on care responsibilities, whilst men fulfill their role as breadwinners in the family (http://www.ep.liu.se/ej/ijal/2010/v5/i1/a04/ijal10v5i1a04.pdf).  In a way, this stiff statement could be the main reason why herbivore men came to be.ss

The salaryman structure, as discussed above, may also be another social factor that greatly influenced the herbivore men.  Since salaryman is a dominant power player in the Japanese society, there would always come a time that a certain external or internal force may challenge this.  In a study by Ms. Nastiti entitled, Redefining the Concept of Counter-culture: Study Case of Soushoku Danshi Culture in Japanese Contemporary Society, she thoroughly explained that;

Counter-culture appeared to be the way to mark an oppositional position to a dominant power. A countercultural movement is indicated by the expression of ethos, aspirations, and dreams of a specific population during a well-defined era as mode of resistance to social control exercised by the superior(http://www.academia.edu/7185200/Redefining_the_Concept_of_Counter_Culture_Study_Case_of_Soushoku_Danshii_Final_Paper_in_Counter_Culture_and_Arts_Course_).

With this kind of description, it could be said that the existence of the herbivore men is an indirect way of Japanese males to counter the prevalent and dominant salaryman.  Moreover, an article by Mr.Kyojiro Kagenuma entitled, Grass Fed – An Explanation of Herbivore Culture is in direct support to Ms. Nastiti’s claim.  Mr. Kagenuma stated that;

The Herbivore Men is a culture that rejects traditional Japanese way of life in favour of individual happiness instead (http://www.goingyourownway.com/content.php?r=118-Grass-Fed-Herbivore-Men).

In a way, society is really the dictating factor with regard to the emergence of the herbivore men.  Society incorporates both the inside and outside factors that may have been key to the said transformation.

The sôshokukei danshi is a unique gender group that may have been overly discriminated.  Deviation from social roles may be a form of social suicide but certainly does not equate to negligence whatsoever.  And although herbivore men are in direct contrast to what traditional Japanese men stand for, their existence is vital to their changing society.

III.Conclusion

In a nutshell the three factors mentioned above are the dominant areas which truly affected and resulted to the transformation of herbivore men.  However, it should be noted that these are not the only factors that one must consider in dealing with this unique sex group.

Findings of this research showed that the Japanese salaryman system had aa huge impact as to why sôshokukei danshi came to be.  The deviation from this social structure was seen as a form of alternative for the herbivore men to truly express themselves.  In turn, they were able to focus their attention to other things, such as purchasing and shopping, among other economic activities which made them one of the growing consumers in the market.

Results of this paper clearly showed how the female sex group impacted the emergence of the herbivore men.  The mutual influence of these two groups with one another, in the changing time, played an important role in the reformation of ideologies and practice in Japan.  Furthermore, this research had noted that emergence of the empowered Japanese women should not be genuinely attributed to the herbivore men, and vice-versa.

The findings of this research also discovered that Japanese society itself could be considered as the main culprit for the transformation that resulted in sôshokukei danshi.  The strict culture and tradition of Japan may have been the pivotal factor as to why Japanese men opt to find alternative way of living.  Moreover, this research also recognized that external factors beyond the control of the Japanese society may have also triggered and influence the transformation among herbivore men.

Chapter 3

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

This paper attempted to determine the factors which caused the transformation that resulted in Herbivore Men.  This research employed a descriptive analysis in order to resurface relevant information and data regarding the Sôshokukei danshi.  Through this, the researcher was able to answer the research question.  The findings of this study are the following:

1.      Japan’s overall economic status was seen as a major factor for the emergence of the herbivore men.  The salaryman system among Japanese males was identified as a pivotal aspect to the herbivore’s choice of living.  Moreover, it was noted that this unique gender group (herbivore men) is becoming a power player in commercial markets; thus, concretizing their role in Japan’s economy.

2.      Herbivore men were also influenced by the opposite sex.  The reversal of roles paved way to choice, which then led to the assertiveness of women with regard to what they want.  And with this, the choice of men veered away from tradition.  They also pursued what they think is best for them.

3.      The strong and strict culture and tradition of Japan is the ultimate factor for the transformation/ emergence of the herbivore men.  Herbivore men deviate from the gender roles because of internal and external aspects beyond the control of their society.  It could even be said that herbivore men rejects traditional Japanese way to make way for their own happiness.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are made:

1.      The factors which influenced the existence of herbivore men are attributed to economy, gender, and society.  These three (3) areas are all interconnected and compliment one another as determinants to the way herbivore men make choices, acts in the society, and live in general.

2.      In understanding herbivore men, it is important to understand that they reject and resist Japanese tradition, most especially the salaryman system.  In this way, one will readily know that herbivore men are different, in almost all aspects (e.g., masculinity), from conventional men.

RECOMMENDATIONS

After drawing the conclusions of the study, the researcher makes the following suggestions/ recommendations:

1.      Since the research only looked at economic, gender, and social factors in understanding the emergence of the herbivore men, it is strongly encouraged to look at other areas, such as politics, in studying this unique gender group.

2.      The study was very descriptive in nature; therefore, the researcher recommends utilizing other forms of analysis in studying the herbivore men.  A good way would be to compare other gender groups, within or outside the Japanese context, to the sôshokukei danshi.

3.      Since time is an essential factor in research, the researcher suggests allotting more time to prepare the study.  In addition, the study would be more comprehensive if actual conduct was done, such as in-depth interviews to members of this gender group.

4.      In terms of resources, the researcher recommends using other form of reference materials (e.g., books, journal articles, etc.) to cull more credible information with regard to the topic being studied.

REFERENCES

Bach, J. (2011). From Boxed-In Daughters to Carnivore Women: Using Gender Metaphors in the Classroom. Retrieved 14 December 2014 from http://www.academia.edu/2264598/From_Boxed-In_Daughters_to_Carnivore_Women_Using_Gender_Metaphors_in_the_Classroom

Dasgupta, R. (2000). Performing Masculinities? The ‘Salaryman’ at Work and Play. University of Western Australia. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from http://www.academia.edu/3691372/Performing_Masculinities_The_Salaryman_at_Work_and_Play

Hooks, B. (nd). Understanding Patriarchy. Louisville Radical Lending Library. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from http://imaginenoborders.org/pdf/zines/UnderstandingPatriarchy.pdf

Kagenuma, K. (2014). Grass Fed 2: Herbivore Men and Japan's Troubling Economy. Retrieved 14 December 2014 from http://mgtow.forumotion.com/t137-grass-fed-2-herbivore-men-and-japan-s-troubling-economy

Kagenuma, K. (n.d.). Grass Fed – An Explanation of Herbivore Culture. Retrieved 14 December 2014 from http://www.goingyourownway.com/content.php?r=118-Grass-Fed-Herbivore-Men

Makita, M. (2010). Gender Roles and Social Policy in an Ageing Society: The Case of Japan. University of Glasgow. International Journal of Ageing and Later Life. United Kingdom. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from http://www.ep.liu.se/ej/ijal/2010/v5/i1/a04/ijal10v5i1a04.pdf

Morioka, M. (2013). A Phenomenological Study of Herbivore Men. Osaka Prefecture University. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from http://www.academia.edu/4683156/A_Phenomenological_Study_of_Herbivore_Men_

N.a. (2011). Definition of Terms: Sex, Gender, Gender identity, Sexual Orientation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexuality-definitions.pdf

Nastiti, A. D. (n.d.). Redefining the Concept of Counter-culture: Study Case of Soushoku Danshi

Culture in Japanese Contemporary Society. Retrieved 14 December 2014 from http://www.academia.edu/7185200/Redefining_the_Concept_of_Counter_Culture_Study_Case_of_Soushoku_Danshii_Final_Paper_in_Counter_Culture_and_Arts_Course_

Salsberg, B. (2010). The new Japanese consumer. Retrieved 14 December 2014 from http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/consumer_and_retail/the_new_japanese_consumer

Tamaru, C. A. (2012). The “Herbivorous” Men of Japan: Negotiating New Masculinities. Whitman College. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from https://dspace.lasrworks.org/bitstream/handle/10349/1172/Tamaru_CA.pdf?sequence=1

Vig, E. F. (2012). The Herbivore and the Salaryman: New and Old Masculinities in Japanese Idol Productions. Lunds University – Department of Communication and Media. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from  http://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=3358333&fileOId=3358341

Yuko, K. (2008). Gender Equality Dilemma in Japanese Society: How Traditional Idea s Affect both Women and Men. Bunkyo University. International Studies Bulletin Vol. 19 No. 1. Retrieved 27 November 2014 from http://www.bunkyo.ac.jp/faculty/lib/slib/kiyo/Int/it1901/it190105.pdf