Traditional, patriarchal Japanese terms for husband and wife may now be perceived as neutral
Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source The images associated with the traditional Japanese spousal terms 'shujin' and 'kanai,' which are still commonly used in Japan. The literal meanings of shujin and kanai reflect Japan's historically traditional male-dominant spousal roles: the husband as master of the house with the wife belonging inside it. Despite concerns that these words may help perpetuate harmful patriarchal roles, recent surveys suggest that they are more commonly used than any other Japanese words for "husband" and "wife." However, few studies have explored the psychological mechanisms involved in usage patterns of gender-related words.
- ▪Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source The images associated with the traditional Japanese
- ▪The literal meanings of shujin and kanai reflect Japan's historically traditional male-dominant spousal roles: the husband as master of the house with the wife belonging inside it.
- ▪Despite concerns that these words may help perpetuate harmful patriarchal roles, recent surveys suggest that they are more commonly used than any other Japanese words for "husband" and "wife." However, few studies have explored the psycholo
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June 3, 2026 Traditional, patriarchal Japanese terms for husband and wife may now be perceived as neutral by Public Library of Science edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan Associate Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source The images associated with the traditional Japanese spousal terms 'shujin' and 'kanai,' which are still commonly used in Japan.
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