Welcome to a migration seminar titled Penalized for Nonconformity? Evidence from a Survey Experiment on the Ideal Worker Norm in Japan.

Speaker

Hironobu Bitou, postdoctoral fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), postdoctoral researcher, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University.

Abstract

Work-family policies (WFPs) are expected to reduce work-family conflicts and promote gender equality, yet their usage remains limited in many countries, especially among men. A leading explanation for this “flexibility gap” is the persistence of the ideal worker norm, which penalizes those who deviate from traditional work expectations such as long hours and constant availability. This study investigates whether violations of the ideal worker norm affect promotion evaluations in Japanese firms. Using a survey experiment with 2,000 HR staff and managers, we randomly assigned profiles of fictitious managerial candidates who varied in their working hours and leave history, and asked respondents to evaluate their suitability for promotion. Contrary to the hypothesis that past violations (e.g., taking parental leave) would lead to penalties, we found no significant negative effect. However, candidates who were currently working shorter hours received significantly lower promotion ratings, while those working overtime were rated more positively. These results suggest that not all norm violations are penalized equally, and that current adherence to the ideal worker norm is more influential than past behavior. Furthermore, the penalty for working shorter hours was consistent across evaluator types and firm policies, although exploratory analyses hinted that pluralistic ignorance may contribute to the persistence of the flexibility gap. In addition to this primary experiment, I also plan to report findings from follow-up studies—if available by the time of presentation—that further explore the mechanisms shaping promotion decisions and parental leave uptake. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about how cultural expectations around work shape gender inequality in the workplace.

Attendance

This is a hybrid seminar, you are welcome to connect via Zoom or join us at MIM seminar room, floor 9, Niagara, Nordenskiöldsgatan 1. To attend on campus, please gather by the reception area at 13.05.
If you have any questions, send an email to mim@mau.se.

Zoom

Link will be available closer to the seminar date.

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