In 1972, 83.7 % of Japanese women in their 30’s favored the idea that a husband should work outside the home and a wife should take care of the family. However, by 2002 this figure had sharply declined to 32.9 %. Women who oppose a strong division of labor within the family had remarkably increased from 10.8% in 1972 to 61.0% in 2002. While in 1992, 52.7 % of women in their 30’s accepted the belief that a married woman should make the care of her husband and children her first priority. By 2002, that percentage had dropped to 43.2%.
Statistical data regarding gender consciousness in men and women shows that the younger individuals are, the less they accept traditional gender roles.