Gender Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education in Japan

A Perspective from Gender-Equality Policies in Science and Technology

Abstract

　 This study examines the current state and challenges of diversity and inclusion in higher education in Japan, primarily through the lens of two genders: women and men. An analysis of women’s access to higher education using Mezzanotte’s four models of education-exclusion, segregation, integration, and inclusion-reveals that Japanese higher education has transitioned from exclusion to segregation and then to integration while still maintaining elements of segregation. However, it has not yet achieved full inclusion.

　 Despite the limited participation of women students, the Japanese government has prioritized and promoted projects that support women researchers through both gender-equality policies and science and technology policies. However, the increase in the number of women researchers has been slow, making it difficult to determine whether diversity has truly improved. To foster more inclusive universities in the future, the focus must shift away from mere “numbers games,” and gender mainstreaming should be integrated into the organizational structures of universities and other higher education and research institutions.