今回の Topic は、２０１８年度早稲田大学政治経済学部の入試問題からです。

１. Topic           

       Do you agree or disagree; “A law should be passed in Japan establishing minimum percentage of women in key positions in the government and major corporations.”   

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement          

     I disagree with the statement because the very slow progress in addressing inequality between men and women is not a legal matter, is inappropriate to be enforced by laws, and is likely to be resolved as time goes by.

b) Body の部分を構成する３つの Paragraph の Main Idea は、

第１ Paragraph　憲法で両性の平等が保障されている以上、この問題は法律で解決すべき事項ではない

第２ Paragraph　職業選択の自由の様な私的事項に法は出来るだけ介入すべきではない

第３ Paragraph　若い世代は社会の不公正に対してより高い意識を持っているので、この問題はいずれ解決される

３. Sample

     I disagree with the statement because the very slow progress in addressing inequality between men and women is not a legal matter, is inappropriate to be enforced by laws, and is likely to be resolved as time goes by.           

     To begin with, the existing imbalance between men and women in key positions in the government and major corporations is not a legal matter but a social fact.  Article fourteen of The Constitution of Japan reads that “All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no discrimination in political, economic or social relations because of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin.”  Thus, today’s issue regarding the gender inequality is not caused by the lack of proper laws and regulations.          

     In addition, interference with private matters, such as freedom to choose occupation or pursuit of happiness, from the authority should be avoided as much as possible.  Also, “minimum percentage” described in the given law is extremely ambiguous.  Then, rather than coercing certain equality by laws, the Japanese government should implement whatever it takes to make it easier for women to work in both       public and private sector so that women can positively advance their careers to the key positions.       

     Finally, given the fact that it has been only seventy three years since The Constitution of Japan came into effect, we should allow more to deal with this protracted issue.  Still, many elder Japanese take it for granted, more or less, that men work to support his family members and women take care of their children at home.  But most young people are more aware of social issues including this one than those in previous generations.  This would help mitigate and resolve the issue in the near future.     

    It is true that the Japanese government pay more attention to address patriarchy social tradition.  However, because of the three reasons I mentioned above, I disagree with the statement.

 

To be continued.