Autonomy, Reciprocity and Communication in Older Spouse Relationships

In previous research, older couple relationships in Japan have been largely overlooked and the emphasis has instead targeted the child-parent relationship. My paper attempts to address this imbalance by investigating power dynamics of couples that relate to the autonomy, reciprocity and communication in older Japanese spouses. The continued presence of retired salary men at home was shown to have negative consequences for women who are termed “professional housewives”. Three contributory factors were identified in conjunction with the older women's declined autonomy. Reciprocity in the couple relationship was assessed using the housework participation of older men, where three types were identified in accordance with the men's degree of commitment. The gendered identity and cultural factors underpinning these types are fully elucidated through the qualitative (separate) interviewing of 47 older couples who live in Japan's Kantō region. communication in older couple relations is under-represented from the male point of view. My paper whilst seeking a balanced representation of the couples' views, pays attention to the pertinent issues of older Japanese men, particularly relating to jukunen rikon [divorce in old age] and the “new woman” movement. The concept of ishin denshin [understanding without verbalizing] is particularly relevant as the underlying cause behind the different gendered mental perspectives of this concept, which has generated resentment among women by acting as a barrier to a more open and accountable relationship.