“Academic harassment” hurts women and society in Japan

Japan has been working on gender equality in various ways. However, there remains much to be done to achieve it. “Academic harassment” is no exception. In recent years, it is becoming a big issue.

Definition of “academic harassment” in Japan

“Academic harassment” is discrimination by a professor, faculty member or other students in a higher position using their authority in an educational or research environment. Some victims are unfairly deprived of their right to study and research by being inflicted with physical and mental distress. In some cases, they have dropped out of their study and research or have taken their own lives after enduring long-term academic harassment.

Example of “academic harassment” in Japan

“Academic harassment” is possibly affected by the societal bias of Japan, such as seniority and male chauvinism. In fact, the socially vulnerable such as junior professors and women are mainly targeted.

One frequent example is interference in others’ research and study, such as forbidding the use of literature and equipment and discarding research data without any proper reasons.

Sexual harassment also frequently occurs. Chisato Kitanaka, who is a sociology associate professor in charge of harassment counseling at Hiroshima University, points out that STEM women are still few in Japan, and they are often the only women in their laboratories. This makes STEM women vulnerable to unwanted romantic advances and sexual harassment. Kitanaka says, “When I ask female STEM students, they frequently say that it is necessary to bear sexual harassment to maintain their study and research.”

Besides that, female researchers are often told they are not suitable for research and should quit to become housewives. This harassment might be a factor in explaining why women account for only 16.9% of STEM professionals in Japan (as of March 31, 2020).

Academic harassment causes negative impact on society

Students’ expectations of their ability to establish a career in scientific or mathematical fields are the lowest of the countries analyzed, regardless of gender (see Figure 1). They are also lower in girls, regardless of the percentage of top performers in mathematics and/or sciences being above the average.

These unconscious biases affect some career paths for women even when they have the necessary skills.

Expert support to cope with academic harassment

Many academic institutions have a counseling desk. Some victims hesitate to talk about it on their campus or have occasionally received insufficient support. NPO NAAH tackles academic harassment. They provide sufferers with anonymous phone and email consultations, and their annual consultations exceed 300 cases. They also give lectures to prevent harassment and introduce professional counselors who are experts in academic harassment to academic institutions.

What we can do to solve the issue

Academic harassment is related to unconscious bias. To recognize one’s own unbalanced opinions and allow others to do the same, incorporating lectures by experts in one’s community can be effective. In some cases, people may struggle with admitting they are being harassed due to cultural customs. In such cases, showing examples can also be helpful. These actions provide a step forward to create a society where women’s well-being is protected, and anyone can build their own career as they wish regardless of gender.