Identity Loss and Rent-Seeking in Gender Categories

Abstract

Since the 1990s, the Japanese government has implemented countermeasures against falling birthrates and promoted active female participation. However, the effectiveness of both policies is in doubt, and gender asymmetry remains unchanged before the implementation of new policies. Thus, this study considers the effectiveness of Japanese gender equality policies in the economics of identity and rent-seeking theory to explain the gender asymmetry. It adapted a model with a utility function in which identity is associated with gender categories and social norms. Moreover, the model employs rent-seeking theory among gender categories and shows that the extent of dissipation depends on the degree of identity loss. The model suggests that the determination of social norms and codes of conduct that determine the level of identity and backlash losses are determined by economic interests.