User:Brute55/sandbox/Sexuality in Japan

Intro: Sexuality in Japan has a vibrant history with multiple aspects that have in some cases drastically changed due to new perspectives over the passage of time. This article depicts these various aspects, such as sexual orientation and gender roles in Japanese society starting in the Tokugawa Period (1600-1868) to the present day.

Table of Contents:


 * Tokugawa Period (1600-1868) through the Meiji Period (1868-1912)


 * 1) Gender Rolls
 * 2) Relations
 * 3) Sexology


 * Taisho (1912-1926) & Showa Period (1926-1989)


 * 1) Human and Gender Rights
 * 2) New Roles of Japanese women
 * 3) * School girls and Good Wife, Wise Mother


 * Heisei Period (1989- Present)

Tokugawa Period (1600-1868) Through the Meiji Period (1868-1912)
During the Tokugawa Period, Japanese society is understood to have been divided into four different classes. Each of these classes having an assigned space of hierarchy in society.These classes in order from high to low are the Warrior Class (Samurai), Peasants, Artisans, and Merchants. The social order of this construct would remain in place until the Meiji Restoration. During which, from heavy influence of Western Nations, Japan sought to modernize both its laws and society. A result of this new reform was by the end of 1873 swords were outlawed and the samurai class disbanded. During these turbulent times the Rolls of Gender fluctuated as well as the views of homosexual relations.

Relations
Beginning with Heterosexual relations, typical pairing of couples, of opposite sexes was practiced an arranged affair; similar to the practices other ethnicities in Asia. However, unlike the other Asian nations, Japanese of the Tokugawa period waited longer to arrange these marriages. This was because the family waited until head of the family was near death or retiring early. Once either of those times neared a successor and bride were arranged to fill the position of the new leader.