Modern girl
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The term Modern Girl (モダンガール, modan gaaru) in 1920s Japan came to symbolize the changing gender roles and social shifts in women's gender roles.[1] Much like their Western counterparts; the Flappers, Modern Girls often lived in the cities, were financially and emotionally independent, choose their own suitors, rebellious in nature, and apathetic towards politics.[2]
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[edit] Origins and Etymology
With the beginning of the Taisho era (1912-1926) Japanese culture became more progressive and merged with the jazz age. All things Western were becoming popular; forcing the Japanese to ask how Western one could be while staying true to their own traditions.[3]
Several magazines perpetuated the idea of the Modern Girl. Josei (女性, "Woman") and Shufu no tomo (主婦の友, "Housewife's Friend") all ran articles, fashion tips, and advice on the Modern Girl lifestyle.[4]
In 1924 Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's novel, Naomi, first creating the term and embodiement of the 'modern girl'. Tanizaki's novel was such a hit that it caused considerable outrage among elders in Japan; however younger women embraced the story.
On occasion the term has been shortened to 'moga'.
[edit] Comparisons with Western Flappers
On the surface, the flapper movement appears to be one in the same as the 'modern girl' movement. The fashions of both were very similar. However the beliefs and behaviors of both groups were distinctly different.
Flappers believed in being political; especially part of the Women's suffrage movement. Modern girls were distinctly apathetic towards politics; and did not usually partake in them. Flappers sought high paying white collar jobs, while modern girls only sought service industry type jobs. Flappers protested in large groups; Modern girls sought to individually accomplish their goals.
Flappers were also more 'real'. Modern Girl was more an idea; an ideal. Japanese women hoped that with time the Modern Girl ideals would take hold.
[edit] Behavior
Modern Girls were completely independent. Both financially and emotionally. They would work service industry styled jobs and live on their own, not dependent on family. They smoked, watched movies, and hung out at the cafes. They were sexually liberated; choosing their own suitors. Many of them participated in casual sex.[5]
They were not political; and did not protest. Each woman sought change via herself; not a group like the flappers.
Consumerisim drove everything they did. Women were constantly shopping at the new department stores and listening to jazz records.
[edit] Appearance
Modern Girls appearance was completely Western. They wore pumps, and short dresses. They discarded the kimono for western styled 'garçonne' looks. Much of their dress and appearance resembled Western stars such as Olive Thomas, Clara Bow, and even more unusually Mary Pickford.[6]
[edit] Cosmetics
Much like the flappers the Modern Girls aimed for a Western look. They also wore lipstick.
[edit] Hair
Like flappers the Bob cut was very popular.
[edit] End of Modern Girl Era
Modern Girls were a symbol of Westernization. They were also a symbol of extravagance, and selfish choices. After the end of the Taisho era Extreme Japanese nationalism took hold all but killing the Modern Girl ideals as women reverted back to their traditional wife and mother roles.
However certain Modern Girl ideals still hold strong; one could argue the Kogal girls continue some of their traditions.
[edit] See also
[edit] Further reading
- The Gender/Sexuality Reader: Culture, History, Political Economy, Vintage Books
- The New Japanese Woman: Modernity, Media, and Women in Interwar Japan
[edit] References
- Silverberg, Miriam (1991). "The Modern Girl as Militant." in Gail Bernstein, Recreating Japanese Women: 1600-1945. pp 239-66.
- ^ The Chronicle: 5/21/2004: The 'Modern' Japanese Woman
- ^ The Chronicle: 5/21/2004: The 'Modern' Japanese Woman
- ^ The Chronicle: 5/21/2004: The 'Modern' Japanese Woman
- ^ The Gender/Sexuality Reader: Culture, History, Political Economy
- ^ The Gender/Sexuality Reader: Culture, History, Political Economy
- ^ The Gender/Sexuality Reader: Culture, History, Political Economy
