Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze images of men presented in the traditional women's periodical Fujin Koron. This analysis is a first step toward determining common images of men in postwar Japan. The result shows that two streams of male images appeared in the 1950's : the weak male image associated with “salarymen, ” who were increasing in number at the time; and the dependent male (amaeru otoko) image that replaced the strong male image, which was commonplace under the patriarchal Ie system. These two streams of discourse overlapped with each other repeatedly during the era of high economic growth. These male images shared a pattern based on gender roles in private spaces : the metaphor of Mother-Child. The male seeks indulgence and the woman gives care, thus emphasizing the primacy of work for men. This set of male images, “working man” and “childish man, ” is at odds with the discourses of “family man” that emerged in the 1960's.
My conclusion is as follows. First, the behavioral pattern of male “Amae” was formed as a role : the “amae role.” Second, the male “amae role” justified the female “caring role.” Third, the “amae role” was justified by the male “working role.” Fourth, the negative connotation of “family man” reinforced the positive meaning of male “amae role” and “working role.”
