Routledge - Women and the Labour Market in Japan's Textile Industry

Explore a detailed historical account of Japan's economic development through the lens of its most significant manufacturing sector. From the 1870s to the 1930s, the textile industry served as the primary source of export earnings for the nation. This book examines how this industry functioned and the specific role played by its predominantly female workforce. Drawing from extensive original research, this work investigates the institutions of the labour market during a period of rapid industrialisation. It provides deep insight into how workers, largely drawn from agricultural populations, shaped the economic landscape before the Pacific War. This text is an essential resource for those studying Japanese economic history, gender roles in industry, and the social structures of early industrial Japan.