The Reality of Dual-Income Households in Japan
Dual-income households have become increasingly common in Japan due largely in part due to rising costs of living but these arrangements bring with them new sets of challenges such as increased stress levels or unequal pay between genders which need further attention from policymakers if we want all citizens - regardless of gender -to live comfortably within their means
Jan. 04, 2023 6:36AM
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A picture of two adults holding hands while walking down a street together with Tokyo's skyline visible behind them
In a society where dual-income households are becoming increasingly common, it is no surprise that many Japanese couples are turning to the idea of two incomes to make ends meet. @yumeto_me recently tweeted about this reality, saying “Basically, you can’t get by without both partners working. You won’t get a raise unless you build up your career. If one partner retires after raising children and the other takes on part-time work, I think they must be relying heavily on their partner’s income. And if they were to divorce, it would be difficult for them to find employment again.” The truth is that dual-income households have become the norm in Japan due to rising costs of living and stagnant wages. With the average cost of rent alone being nearly half of an average salary in Tokyo, having two people contribute financially is often necessary for families to survive. This has led to more women entering the workforce as well as more men taking on traditionally female roles such as childcare and housework. While this shift has been beneficial for some couples who now have more financial stability than ever before, it also brings with it a new set of challenges such as increased stress levels from balancing work and family life or feeling pressure from society when choosing not to pursue a career path or take on traditional gender roles. Furthermore, there is still a long way to go before equal pay between genders becomes a reality in Japan and many women continue to face discrimination in the workplace due to outdated ideas about gender roles and expectations. Ultimately, while dual-income households may be necessary for some families in order for them to make ends meet financially, there are still many challenges that come with this lifestyle choice that need further attention from policymakers and employers alike if we want all Japanese citizens – regardless of gender –to live comfortably within their means.