Why do you study sociology?
Throughout my life in Japan, I've been interested in why Japanese women are underrated and face many difficulties in order to balance their career and family responsibilities – while for Japanese men, it is easier for them to climb the career ladder because they rely mostly on their female partner in terms of domestic work.
During my undergrad, I was asked by several male professors what I wanted to do in the future. I answered, "I want to work at a big company as a manager and have three children". Everyone, with no exception, said “That’s impossible in Japan so you should move to Europe.”
Two questions emerged inside me. First, why is it impossible in Japan? Second, why is it possible in Europe?
My research about the gender division of labour and time-use has mostly paid attention to Japan. However, many sociological and demographic theories have been established in Western nations and do not apply to East Asian societies.
To investigate these gaps, I started to research the work-life balance and employment systems. However, I realised it is important to analyse family dynamics as well. I chose sociology as it covers both family and employment spheres from gendered perspectives.
What first attracted you to the Department?
The MSc in Sociology at Oxford sounded very attractive for two reasons.
First is my amazing, lovely supervisor, Professor Man-Yee Kan. I read her research during my undergraduate and her focus on comparative analysis of time-use in paid and unpaid work among Western and East Asian nations looked fascinating.
The second reason is that this course focuses a lot on quantitative methods. I learned advanced econometrics in my undergraduate and I utilised advanced quantitative methods for my first MSc thesis as well. My analysis utilises longitudinal household panel survey to assess the research question.
This MSc course heavily emphasises quantitative analysis with many option courses focusing on advanced quantitative methods and causality. I decided to apply for the MSc in Sociology because of the great environment to maximise my quantitative skill and research interests.
What do you enjoy most about the course?
The Department provides a range of opportunities to explore your research interests. The weekly seminar offers interesting topics related to sociology and is a great opportunity to expand your network. The research methods course provides an intense course of both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
What I enjoy most is the optional class I’m currently taking, Sociology of Gender. The reading list includes a wide range of quantitative studies on gender and family, which perfectly align with my own research interests and have deepened my understanding of the subject.
What do you hope to do when you finish your MSc?
I hope to continue my research, either by pursuing a PhD or by working outside of academia.
My goal is to contribute to more precise, evidence-based policymaking by building a bridge between research and policymakers and by making full use of my data analysis skills.
What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?
I recommend that those who are planning to study for the MSc in Sociology – and aim to make an impact on society or in academia – stay true to their passion and deepen their understanding on their chosen topic as much as possible.
No matter how trivial your argument may seem, there will always be someone in the world who genuinely supports it.
What interests do you have outside of sociology?
I am also passionate about driving social change in Japan, particularly reforming the outdated surname system, which legally forces couples to share the same surname and disproportionately disadvantages women. I had the privilege of advocating for this cause at the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva last year.
These experiences reinforced my belief that research and advocacy can work hand in hand to challenge deeply rooted inequalities and create a more equitable society.
