.ms";~.. : ‘3‘ .‘.'_.". 0"‘;\‘.ut‘. I... "‘v ' ~T- . -""- - ‘ .‘ ' . 1
. ‘ A I .’I T
p . .

4' n I" '2. | . -‘ t . . . ' . . _ .

. -
noun—owmwunm»-.. q... -6. .............—-‘.- o--. n- - 3;: -u . ~ ., ....,. -........... "“"“""“°‘“°’N"""WNW””QW?'””WW:7' .

A STUDY OF CLOTHING CONSUMPTION PRACTICES
OF A GROUP OF CHINESE AND JAPANESE WOMEN
ENROILED AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

THESIS FOR THE DEG-REE OF M. A.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

IOANNE ELEANOR MESS‘UBA
I 9 6 I

 

‘l
/>'

I
,7 l

A STUDY OF CLOTHING CONSUMPTION PRACTICES or
A GROUP OF CHINESE AND JAPANESE‘WOMEN ‘

ENROLLED AT MICHIGAN STATEIUNIVERSITY

BY

Joanne Eleanor Mesaura

A PROBLEM

Submitted to n
\

~ Michigan State university
in partial fulfillment of the requirementé

'.
/

; for the degree of {,5

MASTER OF ARTS

Department of Textiles, Clothing. andhkelated Arts

’1961

  

' _ wry» wan-n-

5 Michigan State '1
4 ~~ 5‘ - .
I

‘I.

 

 

 

, AL _. AMA A... 4-4 FA‘LA‘gL‘A‘L. mw-r—A 'A‘ 4‘ A A
W ‘ ,

I
I
I
I

 

A‘__ .4...;;_ ._ k L‘4 A-h‘

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author wishes to thank Dr. Marion Niederpruem for
her guidance in the research for this study and Dr. Mary
Gephart for her advice and assistance in the writing of this
problem.

Appreciation is expressed to Mrs. Margaret Hearn anders.
Betty Monroe for contributing suggestions as members.o£ her
graduate committee and to Dr. Joanne Eicher and Mrs. Barbara
Stowe for reading and criticizing the manuscript.

Special recognition and deepest gratitude is extended

to the eight Oriental students from whom the author received

invaluable information for this study. ‘ / \\

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I ‘ - I Page
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Purpose of the Study 2

Definitions of Terminology 3

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE . . . .'. . . . . .I. . .f 7
Chinese . I 7

Japanese 14'“
III. METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .V. 21

1v. DESCRIPTIVE CASES . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . 23

Miss Wong 24
Miss Yi . 28
Miss Lew ' . a .31
Mrs. Chang \' .35
Miss Yamado >39
Miss Nori' 42
Miss Tanaka 48

MissaInouye ‘ 52
v. MYSIS OF DATA 0 O O O O O. O O O O O O O O O 57

VI. SUMMARY’AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR.FURTHER ‘ ~'
STUDY 0 o o ‘O o o o o o o o o o O o O o o O 65

BIBIJIOGRAPHY 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O” _O ‘ O O O O O "I < 69

APPENDIX -"' Instrumnts To 0 o o o. o o o o o o o. o o o o . 71

\

I

 

-__._.__-'._— fl~—~..- q-m‘-‘---.

TABLE

II.

111-.

 

LIST OF TABLES

Page
Group Responses of Eight Respondents
Concerning Clothing Practices at

' . Home 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 58

Factors Influencing Clothing Purchases of
Seven Respondents Since Their Arrival in
the united States 0 O O O O O O O O I O O O 59 l ‘

Itemized Wardrobe Giving Total Number as

Reported by Questionnaire From Each of . '
Eight Oriental Women . . . . . . . . . . . 61

iv

 

k v- “A —>i '“'.—~..—. ._-4 A

‘ "~v fr—-«‘...—--—. ..-

w“. — .‘h I
MEIE‘H—fiw‘-
.fiwm.w__—AH -_
-

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Technological advances have caused the world to
shrink and mankind to become a single community,
therefore, the concept of cross-cultural education has

broadened considerably. The way of-living in the
East and West is very different. The need for

adaptation is very great.1

Each year many students from China.and Japan enter American
universities to study. Little research has been done to
discover the attitudes and values of these Orientals as they
adapt to Western cultural patterns in the selection and use
of clothing. There is a constant need for awareness and better_,
understanding of tHe differences among peoples of different \/
countries and cultures. Through this study the authOr hopes‘
to increase her understanding of peoples of Other cultures

I

‘so'that she can be more respectfuL. tolerant. andappreciative
of other peoples and their customs, attitudes. values, and
‘beliefs. These Orientals come to the United States to study '3
and become acquainted with the/American way of life. This

study will attempt to point out some social and economic

factors of the Eastern and Western cultures which affect the

 

lMarjory Wybourn, "Proposals for Improving the Clothing
aand Textile Educational Experiences of Home Economics Students
From Other Lands" (unpublished Doctoral thesis... Teachers'.

College. Columbia University.l958). p. .3.

‘ l

2
clothing consumption practices of a small group of Chinese

and Japanese. women students.
Purpose of the Study

This study consists of eight descriptive cases written
as accurately as possible with information given to the author
by questionnaires and interviews concerning clothing practices.
Although the author has a limited background in psychology
and sociology. she attempted to be openminded. communicative.E
and logical in her analysis and presentation of materials
given her by the participants. In order for the participants
in the study to be kept anOnymous, fabricated names appear
in the descriptive cases. /
The objectives for this study are:
\QN 1. To gain some understanding of the national dress and
cultural background of the Chinese and Japanese students.
2.: To discover their familiarity with western dress' \.
before coming to the United States.‘
‘I3. To obtain information regarding theibuying practices
and kinds of clothing purchased and worn. before coming

to the United States.

4. To discover the attitudes and'values of these students
toward Western dress.

5. To determine the kinds of clothing items selected and
purchased in this country. ‘

6. Tb ascertain the influence of Westeranress on their .
wardrobes.

3

Definition of.Terminology

In each descriptive case. reference is made to the national
dress of China or Japan. Therefore. an explanation of the
national dress of each country and some Japanese terms used
by the respondents are given as background information.
China's name for its national costume for women is
"cheongsam."a sheath with a high mandarin collar. kimono-
cut sleeves. and slits to the thigh on each side of the skirt ,
(approximately eight inches up from the knee). The cheOngsam.l
in more formal terms. is called a mandarin dress. ”we“.
In Old China it was considered indecent to expose the .
back of the neck: therefore. the high stiff collar was. and
still is. attached to the neckline of the cheongsam. There /' l\
is almost no variation in the style of this garment whether

it be used for casual or for formal wear: color. Skirt length.

and fabric determine its appropriateness. The dress with its
skirt ending at mid-calf On the leg is popular for daytime

or casual wear and the skirt drops down to just above-the H
ankle for formal wear. Red. by old tradition. shows.happiness
and represents good luck; a red. embroidered or plain cheongsam
-is almost always worn for wedding receptions and the New I
Year's holiday. A birthday permits any dress so long as it

is new. the winter seasOn finds most people in blue dresses.

<v- ---. ~n--_ q—n-nn...

w'fi—"W"mm ———-~_ .—~.,.., -m- “u h- -_..__,_ 7‘...
- - r "“1' v 7 -~ -_, ._. _ v.- -

 

4
and White leads in popularity during the summer. Pure silks
and brocades are reserved for formal wear while cottons. rayons.
woolens. and synthetics are found in casual wear. I
The "kimono" is Japan's national costume and consists of
approximately seventeen pieces of clothing. Western under-

wear. in the form of a pair of panties and a brassiere.is put

On first and then followed by special. kimono Ohderwear--a white
blouse-slip. a white skirt-slip. and a colored slip in the

same shape and style as the kimono and often made of silk.

but less important in color and fabric than the kimono because
it does not show. The white collar of.the blouse-slip is the
only part of the underclothing that is visible on the outside.

A kimono is then put on and held in position by a cOmbinatiom’

of«a sash and six cords; there are no fastenings used for

closings. The sash is called an."obi" and is usually four

‘yards long. twice wrapped around the body at the waistemidriff

level. and then tied at the center bask with a bow. To A

‘\

complete the outfit Japanese "getas" (sandals) and white -
"tabieslo(socks) are worn.

Jewelry like earrings. necklaces. or bracelets is not worn

wwith a kimono but a broach may be pinned to the obi or the

family crest may adorn the kimono slightly aboventhe left

breast.
Black is appropriately worn for funerals and all formal

I

A eew—v—vwmwh‘ .mmwa Ami

5
occasions like a wedding reception. If a woman is married
or middle-aged or older. she is expected to wear conservative.
(quiet colors and shorter sleeves: a single girl may wear
livelier colors and long sleeves to show her independence
from.men.

When soiled. the silk kimono must be sent to a special
cleaner since it is not washable. The garment is then taken
apart at all seams. laundered. dried. and completely restitched.
This cleaning procedure takes one month.

Other terms used by Japanesewomen during their interviews
include the following:

Yukata. A loose gown or robe made of cotton goods. The

‘word "yukata” implies the meaning. "after the evening's bath."y'..

\

Men can also wear them'but the patterns are largely confined.
‘to stripes and squares. Yukata are often made of cotton.

!'

silkn and linen. They are worn only during the summer.

fgggg. A sandal shoe with a thong between the first and.
second toes. I;
.gggi.;yDigitated socks. socks that have a separate division
for the big toe. In color. tabi are white. black. or dark I
blue. and are made of cotton. velvet. sateen or silk.
"Datemaki. Stiff. ribbon sash.~
Juagajuban. Long. under-kimono.

I Obi. A sash tied around the midriff and folded over- a

6 ¢
small. pillow-like support at the back. looped up and fastened.
the end of the knot left hanging about ten inches. The obi
is usually twelve feet long and two feet wide and doubled
over to a regular one foot width. .

Depato. Japanese name for a department store.
Tatami. WOven. floor-mat covering.

Zabuton. Floor cushions used to sit on in some Japanesex

homes.

. , I II II I“ A_. 1. J. -m .1 _.....; ALL..- .A ‘. . ._ __.. .- - .

 

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Chinese Identification

The Chinese. with great pride. are able to trace their
history back some four thousand years. Because there is much
respect and admiration for China's "ancient civilization. its,
great age and its aged greatness."l many individuals see-the
Chinese as a superior people. In a recent study it was}

. discovered that Chinese images on the American mind are mainly

in contradiction of one another.

The Chinese are seen as a superior people and a
as an inferior people: devilishly exasperating heathens /'
and wonderfully attractive humanists: wise sages and

.sadistic executioners: thrifty and honorable men and sly‘
and devious villians: comic opera soldiers and dangerous
fighters.2 ' '

‘ It is almost an impossibility to develop or discuss\

generalizations which would apply to all of China. Like most
/

(ether nations. China has many variations; consideration must~

be given-4:0. natural variations Iwithin the nation and certainly.

the changes brought about by Western influences and the spread ‘

cxf Communism. It would be extremely difficult to speak of one.

 

1Harold R. Isaacs. Scratches On Our Minds (New York: The.
John Day Company. 1958). p. 89.

2Ibid.. p. 71.

‘

8

typical American: there is equal difficulty in speaking of a
typical Chinese. I l

Northern China is often noted for its tall. strong people
who have adapted to the cold weather and eat wheat and wheat
products as their main cereal staple. The rice-eaters. short
and rather plump. are generally associated with the south of .
China.

Of the more than four hundred million Chinese. 22.000 came.
to the 'United States between the years of 1854 and 1949 to
study at American colleges and universities.4 Previous to the
last forty years the mother in the family was responsible for
the education of her daughter. This education was primarily
related to home-management.5 Since‘the penetration of Western
ideas in the East. women have declared that they have the \
right to their own careers and intend to share in occupations

I

and diversions that formerly were completely monopolized by

\I“

men. Their victory in this matter has given them more liberties
and personal freedoms.6 At the present time. Chinese women

can be found in all occupations. even holding government offices.

 

TThe East and west Association. The People of China (New
York: 1944). p. 4.

4Isaacs. op. cit.. p. 68."

5Kenneth Scott LatouretteL_The Chinesey Their History and
Culture (New York: The Macmillan Company. 1943). p. 197.

I
6The-East and West Association. op. cit.. p. 6.

.-“..._ ..--.._.

- ww‘mmh
Mm-..nm~“ ‘
‘ I

 

 

 

_._ .— _.__ -_ -‘ (. ._ .. -.. AA. _—._

9

The status of the Chinese woman has changed rapidlyt‘womon have

made great strides toward equality with men.
The Chinese have always held the scholar as the most
esteemed citizen in their society. .Although illiteracy still

exists‘in China. much work has been done by educators who

m

favor mass education. Many-less privileged are still unable

to read and write.

Family System

The family is an outstanding feature of the life of most
Inations. Although the authority which the family has held over
its members has weakened in recent years. the basic and most

characteristic Chinese institution has been and still is the
. ‘ / \ \
Extremely close ties characterize families in China \

family.7
although the family never was nor will be of uniform strength_
Ithroughout the entire country. Many ties. of varying degrees.
'bind families together such as. affection. loyalty. and pride. ‘
.Due to the influences of World War I and II. the Korean

incident. western ideas. and Communistic control. the traditional
:family system is reported to be breaking apart.

Since 1784 America has traded with China in a moderate way

1but.relatively few Americans have had the opportunity to exert

 

7Latourette. op. cit.. p. 231x

 

10

nmch influence. All this changed during World War II when
the Americans reaching China numbered approximately a quarter
of a million.8

Because one great virtue in China is devout respect for
one's elders. this country may be considered as a haven for the
aged in their society. ”To a greater or lesser extent the
family has performed the functions which in the modern Occident
are associated with sickness and unemployment insurance."
Out of this family system comes a deep sense of belonging.a
.Many families‘were broken up when the Japanese attacked China‘
.in December. 1941. and occupied Hong Kong for the following
three and a half years. Following this occupation. the?
reduction in population in Hong Kong alone was approximately /

one-third its pre-war total.10

To briefly familiarize the reader with the relationship

_‘between Hong Kong and the China mainland. a short explanation

is given.
-Hong Kong was given birth as ". . . a military. commercial
and administrative centre of expanding British trade with China.

and supplied those conditions under which commerce could prosper

 

8Isaacs. op. cit.. p. 69.
9Latourette. op. cit.. p. 183.

‘ 106. B. Endacott. A History of Hong Kong (London: .0xford
University Press. 1958). p. 300.

11

and which China herself was then incapable of providing."11
.This British colony is an island on the south-east coast of
'China and was obtained from China early in the Victorian era.
1841. Actually. the island is the Office of British trade

in the Far East so its acquisition added to a commercial. and

not territorial. gain. British authority was resumed in

August. 1945 .
Religion

IIn China there is. and has been. much religious tolerance: K
optimism is characteristic of Chinese religious life. Since_.
China is the largest. single show of American missionary
enterprise. Christianity has spread widely in its influence. /
There are eclectic forms of Buddism. Confucianism and Taoism

”present in China but Christianity is the most vigorously

.represented.12 Some belief in superstition is carried frOm‘

\\
7

past to present religions: the Chinese pay considerable attention
to lucky and unlucky days. hours. and places. and in devices '

' ”sew'
:for'protection from the spirits believed to bring misfortune. «N'

The Chinese are not alone in this feeling: some great office

,ln1ildings in New YOrk City have no numbered thirteenth floor.

 

lllbido ' p'e 285.

12Latourette. op. cit.. p. 123.

-. -fl—w-‘fi-

m—w-c‘ -v"-—- . ..

1 . fifi.t-~..—.-p_ _,_-4

12

Social Life

Few definitely holdingclass divisions are a part of

Chinese society. Class status. to a great degree. is determined

by major occupational groups.; Traditionally. scholars come
first because it is felt that those educated in the lore and
virtues of civilized humanity should control society.l3

Automobiles. stoves. bicycles. factory machines and many
other mechanical devices have been catalysts in the revolution
in social life. Old customs have largely disintegrated for

the younger generation living in cities. The old forms of

etiquette are nearly extinct: Western hand—shaking is now

Igood form. the old bow is more moderate if used. and the

elaborately polite manner has been modified. Athletics. under/

‘Western influence. have grown in popularity with Chinese

*women--swimming. tennis. and any game.requiring speed and

accuracy. , ' ‘ a

The Chinese have taken easily and rapidly to western movies
and music. It is believed that Western music made its intro-
duction through the Christian churches. 'The popularity of

cigarettes changed the consumption of tobacco from.the old-g-V’"

¢////f// /I

,v

x/ a /
13The East and west Association. op.'citu. 1

. 14
style pipe .

14Latourette. op. cit.. p. 238.

3‘
, .\““Q“

13 I ~\

Clothing

Widespread adoption of Western dress is quite prevalent
in Chinese daily wear. school uniforms. and uniforms worn
by the military. The traditional mandarin dress is reserved
for formal occasions like weddings. funerals. and New YearIs.
the most important festival of the year.15 To complement
their Western clothing. many Chinese women now wear short.
stylish, hair cuts.

Cotton makes up the material used in the larger proportion
of Chinese clothing since cotton is grown in the northern.
central. and southern parts of the country. Silk is also
_produced. The textile industry in HOng Kong. by 1954. became

/

mills. weaving factories. knitting factories. and finishing

the largest employer of labor in the colony with spinning

factories. producing goods in cotton. nylon. wool. and other

textiles}.6

Today. the growth of the textile industry in Hong Kong'

has made it possible to construct multi-story buildings of

/

concrete to help in the betterment of work conditiOns.1

 

15New Year'se—date varies between January 21 and February
LlQ-bthe day and.several following are devoted to feastingtand
'visiting. . ~

.16Endacott. op. cit.. p. 308.

’17Women's Wear Daily. May 22, 1961,. p. 19.

s‘

 

14

Japanese Identification

Japan. a most ambitious country. has a populatidn of ninty-
four million people.18- Japanese. although stoic in appearance.
are actually highly emotional people. TThere is a custom and
tradition of smiling which often baffles foreigners. In
their smile the Japanese are expressing the fact that ". . . nobody
.has the right to cause anybody else a moment's mental dis- I
comfort . . ."19 A smile may come When death is faced.~ at
“times of great disappointment. in embarrassing situations. in
deep sorrow. or at the time of most severe disaster. westerners
smile very little when compared with the Japanese.

Competent foreign investigators have been quite impressed
with Japan‘s high standard of education in its many universities. \
colleges. and schools. both private and government supported.
Above all else that can be acquired. the Japanese people value
education and. therefore. compel their children to attend I?
schoOl. Because of this high value placed upon education.
there has been no illiteracy in Japan for over a generation.

'\

.Japanese children learn Chinese and Japanese subjects and with

‘the seventh year of school. English is compulsory.zo..

 

18ibid.,

19Frederic de Garis. Their Japan (Yeshikawa. YOkohama: 1936).
P’ 156- ' x .

20

Ibid.. p. 73.

I

15

Sixteen years total the education fer girls--six years
in primary school. six years in junior and senior high school.
and three or four years in college. The need for educating
women.in another country to broaden the scope of understanding
and tolerance was recognized early. In 1871. five Japanese
girls were sent to America to be educated in Western fashion.
This year was the first time in Japanese history that this I
cross-cultural education for women occurred.21 "Whereas the NNW““V
traditional function of study abroad was the acquisition of

knowledge. one of the primary purposes now is the promotion of

mutual understanding and good will between the peoples of the

_ world.'f22

Family System I I“ \

.In Western society the family is mainly a group of individuals

‘while in Japan the family is a unit foundation of the Japanese

\
O

social organization with the father or eldest son as its head.
This suits the spirit and temper of the people. Public

affection between parents and children is rarely shown. .Until

 

21Ina'zo Nitobe and Others. Western Influences in Modern Japan
(Chicago. Illinois: The University of Chicago Press. 1931).
p. 217.

22Marjory wybourn. "Proposals for Improving the Clothing
and Textile Educational Experiences of Home Economics Students
:From.Other Lands" (unpublished.Doctoral .thesist.Teachers'
College. Columbia University. 1958). p. 3.

I

16

two decades ago parents never kissed or embraced their children

after they had grown up. Kissing scenes were even cut out.
'of foreign films before showing them to Japanese audiences.
Affection between family members is generally demonstrated
_through courtesy and kindness. Since Worlan r II. the people

have realized that old family standards are breaking apart.
Religion:

The original religion of Japan was Shintoism: the imported

religions are. Buddhism. Confucianism. Taoism. and Christianity.

The Japanese have shown a special genius for accepting. . ,
assimilating. and adopting from other‘ countries while. .at the

same time. keepingsome of their own identity. Therefore.

many Japanese have a combination of beliefs.23 : _ ‘ .

Social Life

Following the earthquake of 1923‘ andWorld War II. there
were'many social changes. The frustrations of the war years

needed an outlet. Western sports were taken up with much

\

enthusiasm. The most popular were soccer. basketball. track
and field events. swimming. skiing and ice skating. Baseball

became as much a national'game 'as it is in the United States.24

 

23Nitobe. op. cit.. p. 104.

24A. C. Scott. .fl're Flower and the WillowWorld (United States:
Orion Press. 1960). p. 100. '

 

17

Japan was. and is. being deluged by Western-style music
and entertainment which may be good. bad._or indifferent.

At the present time approximately twenty-six.percent of
Japanese entertainment establishments. such as night clubs
and coffee shops. have English names. .

With the passing of much Japanese tradition. the New
Year's holidays remain important. January first is called
Shinho-hai and January third is called Genshi-sai. For these
holidays the long-style kimono with the flowing hem may be
worn.‘ This garment is primarily used now forlprofessional
dancing and for theatrical purposes.26 The kimono is folded
over the chest with the left side over the right like a man's
style coat. The Japanese find much humor in foreigners who , ./‘

wearthe kimono folded right over left. In Japan the right

over left fold is used .only in dressing a corpse.

Clothing ‘ ‘\

The wearing of'a kimono has become ceremonial and.is.
therefore. rarely worn. At the present time. the yukata has
slightly more popularity. A yukata is a loose gown or robe

made of cotton fabric which serves as a lounging kimono.

 

25Hidetoshi Kato. Japanese Popular Culture (Rutland. Vermont;
Charles E. Tuttle Company. 1959). p. 48.

2666 GariB. OE. Cit}: p. 69

 

18
probably similar to the American brunch-coat or housecoat.
It is a garment strictly reserved for the summer season with

its bold designs and patterns held in place by a light-weight

sash or belt}?

Japanese women have thick. jeteblack and very straight -
hair. Today many women are wearing Western hair styles.' Tokyo.
as well as other Japanese cities. has adopted the latest in ‘
hair-do's from Paris. London. or New York for hair which is
often permanentlywaved.28

Department stores or "Depato" are popular in Japan since
they not only offer merchandise for sale but also act as a.
kind of social club where women may meet.1gossip. shop. relax.
in the restrooms. and eat lunch in the store's restaurant.

The ready-to-wear market in Japan for coats. suits. and

“dresses is_small because dressmakers will make them at a fairly
reasonable cost with proper fitting for the wearer. .HOweVer.
”. . . blouses. skirts. shirts. sports outerwear and relatedpxx
items have fair domestic demand."29 -

An average worker in the garment industry works a fortyefour

'hour week and receives approximately $40.00 per month. There

 

’ 27Ibid.. p. 105

2.88cott. op. citt. p. 95.

29Women's Wear Daily. op. cit.. p. 19.
_—‘——r

 

l

. “'9‘“
19
are different ideas between the East and West concerning a
reasonable standard of living. ‘When a comparison is made.
u. . . the Japanese garment worker. at the wage level cited.
enjoys the same relative place in his social environment as

an American factory worker in a small town earning about

$70.00 a week."30

Housing

Wood. in its original color is used in the construction
of most Japanese houses. They are without cellars. are rarely
over two stories high and have roofs covered with heavy tile:
in the country. the roofs may be thatched. ". . . a simple
little wooden house with 300 square feet of floor space is /' ‘\
considered adequate and comfortable for a family.'31
HOusehold furniture may be a simple assortment. Both‘_t
‘chairs and zabuton (floor pillows) are used in Japanese houses.
Paintings are found to be either Japanese or Western. or.both.
”we hear the music of Beethoven or some popular Japanese ~ J
composef‘of native music. There are Kabuki performances and

‘Western operas. Sermons on Christianity and Buddhism are ’

.available to all. .They eat Japanese. Chinese. and Western

 

 

20

food.:‘They read Japanese and Western bodks and Chinese
classics. They worship ancestors. but still have scientific
knowledge. They love the arts but do not neglect their
industries . " I

The outcome of the Westernization of Japan will not be
known for many years. It is too close to us now to get a'
true perspective of the situation. ". . . She must in the'
long run.remain Asian. It is no more possible to make a

Japanese Western than it is to make a westerner Japanese."'

 

gzde Garis. op. cit.. p. 158.

338c0tt' OE. Cite I p. 162 o

‘4A—A—g—O-sh.

'Foreign Students Office located in the Student Services'

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

This is an exploratory study in an attempt to collect
data from a review of literature. background questionnaires.
and interview schedules. The case method is used to describe
the background. attitudes and clothing consumption practices
of the participating Chinese and Japanese women students. In-
this study the author will attempt to point out some social-
and economic factors which affect the clothing consumption ’
practices of this small group of students.

For the purpose of limiting the study. the author selected
all women students enrolled at Michigan State University during
the year of 1961 whose home country was either China or Japan.

Names and addresses of these students were secured from the

building on the campus of.Michigan State University. of the

' possible fifteen enrolled Chinese and Japanese women. a tOtal

. I 1 ,
.of eight were chosen: four Chinese and four Japanese partici-

\

pated. Elimination of seven students was due to many reasons.

_ relating to a lack Of time and interest needed for taking part‘

in the study. The names of the participants in the study have

‘been fabricated by the author.

'The review of literature was made to determine general

!
9 'l

*""""-—n~v g" -AH,_~_'_~ .~

-

 

 

 

 

22
pultural patterns and traditions affecting the sample. In
order to Obtain social and economic background information.
a questionnaire was formulated. To further collect data

relative to the objectives of the study. an interview schedule

.o

was develOped which incorporated some selected. depth interview-

techniques with probe questions.

Each student was either contacted in person or by tele-
phone to obtain permission for the administration of the
questionnaire to be followed a few days later by a personal
interview. The questionnaire was introduced to. and collected

7

from each participant by the author. An appointment was then

made for a one to two hour interview with each student.

Because of the limited size of the available and partici- Mae»-

/ ~\-.\

pating sample. the data was treated as individual case . . \'

‘studies.' An attempt is made to find some.social and economic.)

factors of the Eastern culture which affect these Oriental

women with some evaluation Of the influence of Westernrdress

-.\‘ ~‘~

on their clothing wardrobes and-consumption. ‘ “:1

k

/"

 

 

CHAPTER Iv
DESCRIPTIVB CASES

Eight descriptive case studies have been included in this .

chapter. «Of the four Chinese women. three are from the Heng

Kong area and one is from Nanking. Three of the Japanese

vmmen are from the TOkyo area: one is from Nagoya. Seven

cm'these Oriental students are single and between the ages

» of twenty-two and twenty-eight. One Chinese respondent is

married and fiftyefive years old: all these women are from.

I

.highly educated; middle to upper class families.

The author has fabricated the names which appear in the

following cases in order that each participant's true identity

-remains anonymous. : ' ' T

23

. 0 ..‘AA_
. AA AAmt ““‘ ‘ _._ ‘ .
- . -

 

..s__.._l ‘._._h_ -A A—

24

M188 wongeeo00000000000000ooooeeoeedeoeoeooeoooo ooooo eChinese

° For the last three-and a. half years. Miss Wong has been
' I
in'the United States studying in the field of horticulture.

Approximately twenty-four years ago she was born in Nanking. ‘
Before coming to E '

.
l
.

a city on the central east coast of China.
the‘United States. Muss ang earned a Bachelor of Science
degree-from Taiwan Provincial Agricultural College. In her
desire to better know and understand the way of living in a?
-Western society and continue her education in horticulture.

she left China for America. A Master of Science degree was.

earned at Cornell University. Ithaca. New York. where she

studied for one and a half years. The past two years have!

been spent in residence on the campus of Michigan State
,2 , - -
.’

University where Miss Wong has continued research in her field

C
/

'\.\ . w
of study. Financial, support for these past years in the‘ United 7

States has come from a scholarship. assistantships. ‘ and part-‘ x
. - ' . / #-w:--n.

time ‘work in; a greenhouse. v .
A former university professor. Miss Wong's father now ~ L ‘

works for the‘ government. Mr. Wong holds a Doctorof Philosophy

degree .in Political'Science. Her mother. also a former college I

professor. is credited with a Bachelor and Master of Science

Segree in Human Physiology. 'At the present time. Mrs. Wong's

:areer is in her home as a housewife... 'In.addition ‘to the ' . ~ '

25

above-mentioned WOngs. there are three Offsprings. one son.
'twenty-seven years old. and two daughters. thirty and twenty
years old.

' Miss Wong described her family as ". . . not wealthy but
on a comfortable income." Their twoqstory brick home contains

‘ ‘ Hw«m»~
six bedrooms. three baths. two dining rooms. one kitchen. one ‘\ '

living room. one study. and a full basement- The home is

strongly western in influence.
Clothing

Although Miss Wong almost always wore mandarin dresses at
home in Nanking. she primarily wears Western clothing here in
the united States. In true Chinese fashion. Miss Wong wearS‘
red clothing for the New Year's holiday. wedding parties:and/ ‘*~
birthday parties. .In China she occasionally wore Western
clothing for classes but stated that this depends on the area..
:you live in. ”. . . Warmer climates to.the south.are more ‘
Western for comfort and variety." Mr. Wong wears Orientalu
’clothing for special events but. at other times. is completely
'Westernxin dress. High heel shoes are the only signs of
.Western influence to be seen in Mrs. Wong's costume. For'
.summer wear the women have the "chipow" which was described

as a loose and cool. long kimono garment.‘

Mrs. WOng bought approximately eighty percent of her

 

26

daughter's wardrobe at home: all items except dresses and

-sometimes. coats were; purchased in |the ready-to-wear market.

Dresses. mainly the mandarin type. were handmade by a tailor-
dressmaker. The best selection of ready-toi-wear in Nanking

was found in large department stores. For the little-shopping

that Miss Wong did. her selections were often influenced by

friends in the dormitory. movies. and window displays.:She
commented on always having plenty of money and feeling
fortunate in never needing a budget; ”. . .,always had more
than enough in clothes._ Mother suggests-variety in wardrobe.

. . . Also went .to private schools where‘clothing is needed.”

'Although she-was introduced to Western clothing when quite

young. Miss Wong has not accepted the wearing of hats; she

never wears one.. When an occasion calls for -a head covering. '
she wears a scarf. Sweaters and sport clothés'appeal to her ’
bet-cause they are comfortable to wear. Sport clothesare worn"
in the privacy of her home and for casual) activities such'as
badminton. ping'pong. and hiking. "I am not used to wearing
pants (slacks and shOrt-s) on the streetJ' ' Miss Wong revealed»
that: “she feels 'uncomertable wearing pants publicly béCause'
of her background.

In' relation ”to her background. Miss Wong said. - "Friendship

with girls is important at home . . . 'not enough serious

thinking here . . . young people dofnot discuss intelligently . . .

‘ JAM-q

<‘\

.—_q

_‘_—.'"n‘—_, - A an H'fi— M “m - q..-
’

 

 

 

 

27

all they talk about are men. dating. and other women . . .
they don't bother to consider others in expressing feelings . . .
theydon't worry about what others will feel as a result of
sometimes honest. unthinking comments."

There has been little clothing adjustment for Miss Wong
to make since her arrival in the United States. In Bochester.
New YOrk. Albany. New YOrk. and Boston. Massachusetts. she‘.
has shopped in department stores and purchased all‘kinds of
clothing items except dresses. She brought over thirty
dresses from home for her stay in the United States; some .
displeasure was noted when she-spoke of the eight cocktail
and four formal dresses in her wardrobe. fSome party clothes‘
aren't useful . . . no time or place for party clothes here.“

\

they are not a necessity in a student's way of life."-

‘

.___,.V.-'——.-,._ _-.~_~‘l_____»~ _ ”a”-.. m.
l

 

 

 

»—"""—‘ V‘T’vw— WW

 

 

 

 

quarters .

28

Miss Yioooeeoooeeeoooeoo00000000000cooooooeoooeooOOOOOChj-neae

Five years ago. Miss Yi left her home in Hong Kong fOr
study in the United States. At twenty years old. she entered
Bowling Green University. Bowling Green. Ohio. and stayed ‘
until she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. To.
pursue higher education in chemistry. Michigan State university
was chosen for graduate work. All of.Miss Yi's expenses in
this country have been financed by her parents.‘

Her father. Mr. Yi. educated at the University of Edinburg
in Great Britain. owns and manages a dairy farm business. Mrs.,
Yi was graduated from St. Stephen's Girls College in Hong
Kong and has had a full-time job as wife and mother. Besides
Miss Yi. there are four boys. ages twenty-eight. twenty-seven. \‘\_
twenty. and sixteen. and three girls. twenty-four. twenty-two.
and twenty-One years old. i

. :The family lives. as many upper middle class Chinese ‘do.

in a two-story stone house. Definitely Western in influence. .

-~_o

their nineteenth century. Georgian style home has a large porch \‘f‘

vflaich overlOOks a spacious yard and garden. In the main part
of the! house there are five bedrooms. three baths. one living
room. one dining room. and two kitchens. Mrs. Yi supervises

the cook. a laundress. and a gardner who live in the 'servants'

\

##fir' WW

1r“ “w.jvr._

 

,fi._.v_._y——vw W—“

2.9

Clothing

When Miss Yi left Hong Kong for the United States. she
traveled by boat because she was allowed to carry an unlimited

amount of luggage. Although the mandarin dress was worn daily

'at home. Miss Yi wears only western clothing here. She has

one hundred mandarin dresses stored in the dormitory that are
‘ .
not worn because. she related. "I feel too obvious and
conspicuous in them."7 Her Western wardrobe at home was
limited to sport clothes like blouses and slacks which were
worn for occasional weekends for picnics or for boating" In
Hong Kong department stores Miss Yi and her mother shopped
for underclothes. coats. and jackets; blouses. skirts.-and

/.
dresses were made by a tailor-dressmaker. "Mother does almOst.

all of the shopping. She shops often on Saturdays. I do not a

shop often." Material is selected from a fabric store and

\
\\

taken to a dressmaker because a mandarin dress is not a ready-

\ I

made item. '“The mandarin dress is tight and with a highfilr‘

collar . . . not really comfortable to be in." Wool was

' chosen for winter dresses. cotton and linen for summer Ones;

and‘pure silks and brocades for all good dresses.‘ The dress
is ready in a day and.a half and the charge is $3.00 which

is aTways a cash payment. Hong Kong. a British colony.

' imports ". . . good materials from Europe that are not as
! .

\

\

30
expensive as in the United States?" Mr. Yi and his four sons

own and wear Western clothes' while Mrs. Yi and.,her daughters
wear Chinese clothing except for casual wear when they select I
' the Western-style garments. "From birth.‘ all yOung girls'
wear Western. clothes. At sixteen or seventeen there is a

i- change to the mandarin dress due to'its symbol of the status
of womanhood. "

Miss 'Yi arrived here with anextensive wardrobe. Her
mother is unaware of the fact that the one- hundred winter and
‘ summer mandarin dresses are not being worn. Therefore. Miss .
Yi is “wearing a limited amount of her wardrobe and purchasing
as little as possible in the united States to avoid questions
coming from home- Although her preference is to remain in the
-United States because there are more conveniences for living
(hottlwater. central heating. and ease in traveling were given
"as examples). she will return to Hong Kong in another year.-~
‘ The little shopping that has been done hasnbeen in large \
department stores in Toledo and Cleveland. " Ohio. Chicago;
Illinois. and Milwaukee. Wisconsin. , Miss Yi's purchases have
included one coat. 'seven' pairs of low-heel shOes. one pair of."
snOw boots. and one handbag. All purchases have been paid.
with cash. From shopping trips MissYi has observed and
commented that. ". . . American clothes are more fashionable.

Western clothes at home are not cut and styled as well as

American clothes . "

 

31

Miss Lew._...|.................;......,....-...............Chinese
Hong KOng. ‘a British colony in China. is the home of twenty-
three year old Miss Lew. making her a British subject by birth.
The Lew family consists of Miss Lew's father. stepmother. two
brothers. forty-rone years old and ten years old. and two
sisters. thirty-two years old and twenty-four years old.
A retired general of the Chinese army. Mr, Lew now manages
his animal~ and fruit farm. Prior to his career in the “army
he attended a military training school in Japan.w The second
Mrs. LeW graduated from nursing school following high school
and. presently. is a primary school teacher. .
Four months ago Miss Lew arrived in the United States for
study following the completion of'work at’Povi Girls' Middle

School in China and National Taiwan University in Formosa

where\§he received a Bachelor of Sciencedegree. Her major

professdr at the university. a Ph.D. graduate in Horticulture \

from Michigan State University. encouraged her to do graduate ‘
work here. I‘Miss Lew. a major in horticulture. .also received '
encouragement tO“come to the United States from her family;

er two sisters and older‘brother live here and had not seen
.er in five years. fMr. Lew agreed to totally finance his.
_aughter' s graduate work.

0

The American way of living is not difficult for her, to

K.

‘N

“ ‘7
.M

- “0--

[I

s\ . ’

E .
I

_ ,..V._,.~.. -.--o~ '--- -—‘ ~‘-‘-' -

l
I
k
i
2
i
I
i
I

_ _ mu. r— . 'm 2."!

 

 

32
accept. ' "I‘ve always lived in dormitories“. .. ._ high school. ‘
.

college. and‘now . .- . life is pretty much the same." There
were some comments-on differences. "I now must eat with
silverware . . . can't use chopsticks. I like the friendliness
of saying 'hi' to people you recognize. not needing to know
them. At home. you never speak unless you know the person
and are able to call him by. name."

In-Hong Kong. the middle class Lew family lives in a two-
story. stone house that is Western in its influence. For the
family there are three bedrooms. two baths.. one dining room.

one sitting room. one kitchen. and one storage room; one

other room is for the household servant.‘

, /.

Clothing ,

Miss Lew is'not familiar with her sisters' wardrobes n0w
\. . , \ g .’

\

that‘\they are in America. but when the girls were at home.

‘\‘

they wore Chinese mandarin‘dresses along with their stepmother.

. R

_ .'..—-

As children. all the girls wore Western-style clothing:
children only‘wear Chinese clothes at New Year's. Except fOr
a special event like a dinner party or church social. Miss
Lew wears Western clothes. Her brothers are completely
Western in .dress while her father wears Western clothes in
public and the long. Chinese, men's gownat home.

As previously mentioned. Miss Lew has been in the United

A...—_ —-fl-.-...—-.—...._. _.

,q-o-n‘v

33

r‘,’""r.rv _-—... ‘-

States only four months. She has not shopped nor made any

clothing purchases since her arrival. All her clothing.

definitely Western-style. was purchased in either Hong Kong

w_—-‘U‘I-—v_—-.Ir."r.-I“l .V— ,

or Taipei. Formosa. Most of her garments were ready-to-wear
purchases from department stores and specialty shops;’ some

dresses. coats. and jackets have been made by a tailor-dressmaker.

Y— wr— v?— w '7‘7" .-u-v

Miss Lew sews a little and occasionally has constructed a skirt
or dress..for herself.
Baptist church meetings. plays. and concerts hold special

interest'in Miss Lew's life. ' Her other home activities include ‘ ?

_‘_....—-'— .*t v

swimming. movies. picnics. and gardening. Outside of wearing " ’
a bathing suit or slacks for activities. her life requires ' i
nainlY casual clothes. In her observation of American clothes . .-/ 5 E
as compared to Hong Kong clothing she. commented that, she was ‘ i’
Iot aware of any difference in winter clothing. Sports clothes.‘ ,1 ' . ,
>r underwear. Some difference was noted in .the greater acceptance

if low-cut dresses by the American public. Miss‘Lew feels that ,

his indicates that ,". . . women'are too free." M
Window displays and merchandise in/the stores greatly . ?

nfluence Miss Lew's clothing selections since she buys heavily '

.1 the ready-to-wear market. Her friends exert~ some influence

1 selection: her family has no influence. Miss Lew plans her ‘ ,

Lothing purchases one month in advance. She decides on the

mount she wants to spend and does not exceed it: she never .

 

1

 

34
purchases beyond the cash she has on hand. In preparation for
her visit to the United States. Miss Lew. who enjoys shopping.
purchased sweaters. dresses. shoes. and a winter coat. She
is quite satisfied with her present wardrobe. Miss‘Lew feels
that she has sufficient number and variety of garments and

_ that she. presently. has no need for any more.

 

 

 

35

Hrs. ChangOOOO00......OOOOOOOOC'OOOOOOOOO?OOOCOOOOOOOOOChineBé . ' P

Fifty-five years ago. Mrs. Chang was born in Hm-pei.
a city in Central China. and is a citizen of Nationalist China.
When she is'in China she claims the city of Shangahi as her
home. Mrs. Chang has spent twenty years out of her lifetime
.in the United States. These years have accumulated from
various trips here. Mr. Chang. her husband. is a Chinese
government official in the field of banking and travels much
of the time. The last visit here was made in 1948; since'then. "i
the entire family has lived here. The Chang's are proud of I 4'! ;
their family. three sons. thirty-four. thirty. and eighteen ' ' ' E
years old and one pair of thirty-two year.Old twin daughters.l _'g J E
Mrs. Chang's father. also a government official. was a A / f
college graduate. Her husband did undergraduate work at the
mivegity of Missouri and received a Bachelor of Journalism I I .! : é
‘ E

Science’xdegree. Mr. Changthen went to Harvard University.,Bostpn. .;

. » !
I

\

dassachusetts. and completed work for, his Masterlof Arts \.
legree and DoctOrate of Philosophy (1926). ‘In 1921. Mrs. i
Huang was 'granted‘ a Hein-Hwa scholarship for women and began

er' work at Colorado COllege. The folloWing year she" attended
chool at Radcliffe College. Cambridge. Massachusetts. and ,
ontinued there for a Bachelor of Arts ,‘degree and Master of

:ts degree- The Hsin-Hwa scholarship totally financed her study‘

)

 

, .

36
hithe United States. At home she was a school teacher as
well as a housewife. Concerning her attendance at.Michigan
State University. Mrs. Chang stated that she enjoys going to
.school. "At home. I'm.too old to go to scheol: people would
laugh at me. This is the place to learn . . . very wonderful . . -
. I can gain knowledge." - .
(In.China the Chang's are a part of the upper middle class.
V (with ". L . comparatively. comfortable circumstances."
Since the children have married or gone away to work or study. _ ~
the Change have not owned a house. When they aren't traveling.
I they live with one of their three married offsprings. One
(thing disliked by Mrs. Chang is that Americans lack much
'respect for their elders. ". . . Not too much respect is given
to elders but I do enjoy the freedom the older people have /
if they can afford to live alone. Society doesn't obstruct
yOuXin any way. Ybu have an individual responsibility here;‘.‘ j

‘ \ .
your strength lies in this. ‘Ameriea is,a country for the young.

' China for the aged.” , //7»' x .; '

Clothing/'

"I came here when I was young and am used to all Western
6 ‘ ' ,
fashiOns and manners. I still wear my native clothes and am
not affected by any particular influence."

It was not until 1921 wheanrs. Chang came~to the united

 

'hv‘I—r w '

.ww --v. fi—V' ,.,

 

37

States to study that she was introduced to Western clothing.

She commented that she was permitted to wear her Chinese clothes -

at Radcliffe College but. due to a School rule. was compelled ,

tn wear a hat: she has not worn one since then. Whether in

China orin the United States. Mrs. Chang always wears a

Inmndarin dress: cotton and synthetic ones during the summer.

woolen dresses topped by a fur or heavy coat during the winter.

and for fOrmal wear. silk mandarin dresses. For weddings and

‘New Year's her ensemble always consists of.a bright red.

embroidered mandarin dress with a matching jacket. Her

present wardrobe mainly contains mandarin dresses with special

slips which were ordered from a dressmaker in Hong Kong. The I

Western part of her wardrobe includes purchases made in I .

department stores from Washington. D. C.. Silver Springs. ~.

Maryland. and New YOrk City. Her fur coat. cardigan sweaters..

sh;;§: bermuda shorts. and handbags are Western in style. ‘ 4i!
\\‘

, She has .no true budget for clothing purchases but alway's has

\
\

an idea of what amount she wants to. spend for" ajpartic'ular :1: *~
'garment. ‘ "It‘depends a. lot on the circumstances . .x . always
stay. within my means."

Mrs. Chang expressed a great liking for American clothing
because of. the variety and the color. "The Chinese dress
doesn't change. Whether you're fat. slim. short. ‘or tall. you

i

all wear the same style dress. The style 'is not always flattering.

._L_. .._._‘ -

.__._.* “A”- V.—
.

_ "h—-.._..lr

 

 

38

Although I always wear Chinese clothing. my daughters wear

only Western unless they are going to a Chinese party. My

. husband and sons always wear Western dress. If I were a

young girl again I would wear Western clothes. When you' re

young it's easy to adapt without really thinking. Your
standard of living is high and you have more convenience in
dress and living so. it wouldn't ‘be too difficult to: take

to."

‘_"w —— w—v

 

39

Miss YamadOOOO.OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.O.OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIOOJaPanese

In 1933. Miss Yamado was born in Ichikawa. Japan. This
small city. population 1.1.000. is just across the river from'
Tokyo. Following the completion of junior and senior high
school. Miss Yamado attended and was graduated from Kyoripsu
College for Women in Tokyo. Kyoripsu is a home economics
college. Before coming to .the United States. she was earning
I$1.000.00 per year as an Assistant Home Management Specialist
in the-Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. a department under
the Federal Government. I

Miss Yamado was graduated from a general Home Economics
program before her job in the-Ministry. Since this position
has possibilities for advancement and Japanese colleges do
not offer a major in Home-Management. Miss Yamado's director
inxfihe Ministry encOuraged her to study in the United States.

~ Mr. Yamado. a retired owner of a pharmacy company.

received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the

Tokyoyakusen College in Tokyo. Miss Yamado's only brother.

' thirty years old. refused to take over the family business and.

presently. is a research pharmacist. Until recently. Mrs.
Yamado. a housewife and high school graduate. had taught the
Japanese tea ceremony'to daughters of friends and neighbors.

-‘ The upper middle class Yamado family resides in a single-

‘story. pure Japanese style. wooden home. IThis house has three

R..-“—

.. —_ o‘._ --

 

 

 

40
bedrooms. one bath. zone dining room. one living room. one
guest room. and one kitchen. The family maid lives in the

house and has her own bedroom; she does the laundry. cleaning.

and assists in cooking.
Clothing

Since her birth. Miss Yamado has been wearing Western-
style clothing daily. She wears a kimono only for particular
occasions. One instance was wearing a. kimono when ill because
(it is convenient to put. on and take off if you are in and out
of bed all the time. During the summer evenings. she often .
wears the yukata. Mrs. Yamado usually wears a kimono but
sometimes. during the summer. will wear Western clothes. “Miss
Yamado's thirty-two year old sister wears all Western clothes:
on some "special days. a kimono. The men in the family wear ‘
Western clothes except in the evenings at home. The yukata
is their summer .evening wear: the tanzen. a kind of quilted
nightgown-robe. is winter evening wear.

- At-‘home-Mi’ss Yamado is strongly influenced by her sister
in the selection .of clothing. Her sister works in the garment
industry in Tokyo and is able to have much surplus material
at no .cost. This surplus material is used to. construct
garments for Miss Yamado because her $1,000.00 yearly income

does not allow for a liberal' clothing'wardrobe. At the same

 

 

 

41
time. she stated that a clothing budget was only planned when

a kimono or overcoat needed to be purchased. Other influences

on her wardrobe selection are window displays. the girls
working in her office. and fashion shows and exhibitions by
the Department of Agriculture.

In-the few months that Miss Yamado has been in the United
States. shehas shopped in Detroit. Ann Arbor. and Lansing.
Michigan. Her purchases have included pajamas. flat heel ‘ .
shoes. snow boots. an umbrella and raincoat. She saw no
difference between American, clothing and Oriental Western
clothes except for color. ". . _. Color is different . . .-
brilliant colors here . . . at home. cOlors are softer.
Japanese use very little pure. bright color."‘

She is not using her entire wardrobe here. ". . . only
because there is so little time 'for caring for them. At
home‘x\\the maid does the laundry.“ Because she has to walk
so much‘ on campus. Miss Yamado is wearing all of her full

skirts and rarely using her sheath skirts. At home. she
stated. "I wear mostly sheath skirts but they are uncomfortable

for all the walking I must do here. I miss using the subways

and buses at home: transportation is very gOod there."

\

‘

'——‘—— ‘I'VV-vr-I'"t-.""'

-'I' ‘I’IVV‘ ‘wvnu‘

 

 

42

Miss nori00000.0000 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO0.0.0.0...OOOOOOOJapanege

Miss Nori.fond1y called "Tammi." has lived in the city
of Nagoya in Japan for twenty-one out of her twenty-three

‘ years. During World War II she and her family spent twO years

living in a rural community.
Dr. Nori. Tammi's father. is a practicing physician in.
Bhgoya'Who received his education in medical Science in Japan.
An accomplished career-girl and university graduate in Jepan.
Mrs. Nori holds a government position as a State Senator and,
'Court Judge. She is also responsible for rearing eight
children--three sons. twenty-six. seventeen. and thirteen

years old and five daughters. thirty-one.‘twenty-nine. twenty-

seven. twenty-three. and twenty years old. As a court judge

Mrs. Nori,specializes in divorce cases. Because divorce is

‘unacceptable by the major portion of Japanese population. a
number\ of divorced women have been brought to the Nor‘i house- ‘

'hold to work as servants until they can find a place in eociety.

v
I 1

Tolerance and understanding are important and: necessary virtues

r'

' in Tammi's home.
Considering the salaries of both parents the family income.

in American money. is approximately $10,000.00. The sum of.

money earned and the occupation of theparents places the Nori

family in the upper class. Their home is a large. two-story

 

 

 

43 ’
house. completely Western in outside appearance. but a mixture
of East and West on the inside. The crushed-stone face of
the home looks onto a busy. Nagoya street. All of the six
downstairs rooms and four upstairs rooms are Japanese all-
purpose roOms except for a kitchen and one Western-style
living room furnished with tables and chairs to form a lounge
area for guests. There are three additional rooms with bath-
. room facilities. one with a large tub. one next door with a
sink area; and one with a toilet. The house is. staffed with
two maids. two nurses. and one errand boy.

Tammi does not particularly miss sitting on zabutons (floor

cushions) or sleeping on a bed roll but she does miss bathing

in a big. deep bathtub filled with hot. scented water. The

water in a Japanese bath nears the boiling point in temperature.

After six years of a public primary school. three years in

_ a \ . . . . *
junior high and three years in high school. Tammi attended the .5

\' ‘
Prefectural Women's College for four years and received ',a

-B.A.-Hdegree. tOver a period of eighteen years she also took
course work in a Japanese music school.

While in' c‘ollege Tanunimet an American professor “who had
come to Japan to study the history'of Asia. , She was quite
impressed with this man who started her thinking about coming

to the United States to study and then encouraged her to apply

to Michigan State University. Since her arrival nine months

 

 

44
ago. Tammi has received tuition scholarships'fromMichigan
State University and room. board. books. andclothi'ng support

.I

from a private sponsor. She is presently doing graduate work

here in Education with a minor in Child Development. Tammi

is a little'different from most of her girl friends at home.

A She commented that upper class Japaneseggirls usually go. not

to college. but. to a private school to learn the tea ceremony.

flower arranging. cooking. and home management. This. and

attendance in dressmaking school to learn to-zmake simple

.clothing items. are part of the training for marriage.
.Although Tammi's parents are quite liberal. she feels

that freedom at home is restricted. "I would like to have

'this much freedom at home. to come and go as I please. to be

sociable and take. opportunities to learn from one another.

People don't waste time here: they use time more efficiently

bedause ef the informality of people's relations.”

. . ‘7 \ I

1 Clothing-

u.’

”I have been in Western clothes since I was born.“ My-'.

mother is quite Western in dress. shoes. hats. and short
hair cut . . . ,from 1920 on."
- All Nori family members wear complete wardrobes Of Western-

style clothing except for one item. ”We usually wear ~a kimono-

type garment for sleeping . . . no buttons. only a tie . . .

45

it is restricting. I have bought pajamas here and like them.
lmey are cdmfortable; I can really move in them."

With a cigarette in hand and wearing a pair of bermuda
shorts with an overblouse. Iammi commented that no women smdke
in Japan unless they are in undesirable occupations. women
are not supposed to be very active. and they are not supposed
t0‘wear shorts and slacks. Due to the latter statement. the
selectiOn of sportswear is better in the united States than
in Japan. .She likes the comfortable quality of shorts and
enjoys wearing them for lounging in her room. At home she
wears shorts for tennis. slacks for horseback riding. and_the
. kimono in a variety of colors. but always the same style. for
dancing. Tammi is an expert in the "Noh" dance Which is a
classical. heavy. drama-type dancing requiring a full. ‘
Ikimono costume. At home. through the music school and a

i ‘ /

private source. she participated in her main hobby by taking ‘“’

\
‘\
\_ ‘

three lessons each week in Eastern and Western dancing)
‘Before coming to the united States Tammi wore very little:;;>

readybto—weargclothing. She usually bought fabric and had a

dressmaker make up a garment styled from a magazine picture

or a personal design. The most often used magazines were

Seventeen.‘ygggg. and Glamour. "I wasn't fashion conscious

at home. I didn't like to spend much money on clothes but

my mother wanted me to have more wardrobe.9 Her mother and

 

w .flw—V— vw—r‘r

46
some girl friends used to help with style selection; they A
shopped in large department stores and [specialty shops.

._

In preparation for her visit Tammi purchased eight sweaters

W‘s—Irv “1'7 '7-1, ' _-

and .a winter coat. She feels that the sweaters were-a poor
choice because wearing them in heated classrooms and houses
makes her too warm. She is still wearing most of the clothing . “i
she brought from'home. . Her main reason for not using all of
her wardrobe is that she likes American food so much that

she has added poundage to her small frame. There has been

‘KF" v

little. if'anyp difficulty in changing food patterns. She

vr—w -q—v-II-F

does miss two favorite dishes though. eating fresh. uncooked

fish and live shrimp.

Other'comments on dissatisfaction related to the color and . i " 5
.style of clothing. The Oriental version of Western clothes ' /‘
generally has sleeves. too wide and colors too drab. Tammi '
.‘fel-tfihat her wardrobe lacked color except for her socks .

N-

which were too colorful... ". . . here. anklets worn are’mostly\\ ~' L
.white." I ‘
Since her arrival in the United States she has purchased
ik'n'ee socks andfleotards. which she has become quite fond of
wearing. :"At‘ home. only children wear them." Also. two pairs I

of shoes have been purchased ". . . to fitwith the cOlor of

clothes . "

After living in an American dormitory for a few months

 

I

 

47
Tammi still cannot accept the fact that so many girls '
walk around in their undefiear. "At home. even with the.

\.

family. weihnever do this. We dress immediately at home.”

—, v— r—v-v—w‘vvrcv- va-V gnfiy

 

 

48

Miss Tanaka..........................................Japanese

Twenty-five years ago. Miss. Tanaka was born in Tokyo.
Japan.‘ Her father. a graduate of Tokyo Agricultural University.
the University of California. and a former government official
in agriculture. died when she was nine years old and her
brother‘was sixteen. Although Mrs. Tanaka graduated from
Japan's Women's University in Tokyo. majoring in Home Economics
Education. her occupation is that of an accountant.

For the past three years Miss Tanaka and her mother have .'
lived together in a small. mainly Western-style. wooden-house
in the city of Tokyo. The five rooms in the house consist of
two bedrooms. a living room. dining room. and a kitchen. Miss
Tanaka's bedroom is partly a study. Mrs. Tanaka's room is

not a bedroom by Western interpretation: it is one of the

Japanese all-purpose rooms that may be any room by day and a

sleeping room in the evening. There are'no servants needed ~ ~- 7’

‘in this small. middle class home. ' I ' .

By August of 1961. Miss Tanaka expects to? earn a Master
.of Arts degree from'Michigan State University after her two
years' study in the communication field. Before coming to
the‘ United States almost two: years ago. Miss Tanaka'completed
six years in senior high. and four years at Tokyo University

where'she earned her Bachelor ‘of Arts ”degree. 'Following the

 

49

'cmmpletion of her college work she accepted a position as a
tuoduceredirector and radio reporter in the center of the
city of TOkyo. In American money her yearly salary for this
job was $900.00. '

When the offer of a scholarship covering both tuition and
neintenance was made tO'MiSS Tanaka.for the school year of
1959-1960. she left her job to continue study in the A .
Communication Arts. Because this past year was not covered
yby a scholarship. she has financed herself by working at the _
Mdchigan State university radio station. In speaking of our
educational system she has found the friendly attitudes and
iclose relationships between students and teachers particularly

enjoyable. "At home. professors are more dignified and aloof.

. K .

And. smaller classes are good: we often have» 200 to “1,300 students /

'per class at home." '

\ Clothing ‘ ' ,-

|
Q

jFor a going-away gift. Miss Tanaka's sister-in-law
presented her with a silk kimono. This garment is the only

one 'of Oriental flavor in her wardrobe-here. or at home. Miss

Tanaka did 'notrexpress‘ happiness over this expensive-gift. She 7.. ~

said she does not like wearing a kimono. never would have
purchased it for herself. and wishes the money had been used

to. buy other clothing items. All other clothes inher';

yvr.-.r.~r-——v—w—-u-‘ my‘m ‘-

 

 

50

wardrobe are Western in style: most of them were made by a

tailor-dressmaker in Tokyo. Ready-to-wear underclothes were

purchased at home in a specialty shop. Mrs. Tanaka often

sends new clothing to her daughter to help lessen the expenses
of living in the United States. The few purchases that-Miss
Tanaka has made in a small department store in Lansing.

Michigan. have included one pair of bermuda shorts. two pairs.

of shoes. leotards and snow boots. Other needed items were

ordered from Japan. Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka were here in the'

United States early in their marriage and were Westemized

at that time. Miss Tanaka and her brother have been wearing

Western-style clothing since they were born.

"Clothing purchases are planned six months to one year
in advance now that I am working and paying for my own clothes.” /

\

Although her mother gives advice on. the selection of expensive
items such ‘as suits and dresses. Miss Tanaka is influenced 1
-.'bY this Sunday .Mainichi (weekly ,fashion section of the newspaéexr)’,
- ‘window displays. and the needs of her job. For example. . ‘:
pockets in her‘iworking clothes are used to hold pencils and L.“
' - paper necessary for interviewing people.

In preparat'io'nffor her visit tothe United States. Miss
Tanaka spent an estimated total of $100.00 for the following

items} one'dressmaker suit. two pairs of pajamas. two slips.

three ~blouses. and two skirts.

 

 

 

 

51
Tokyo has a warmer climate than the Lansing ,area; this

compelled Miss Tanaka to order warm,head scarves from home to
wear with her Japanese-made winter coat and American-made

snow boots. Although she finds a colder climate here and
desires to wear slacks to class during the winter. the
temperature ovame'rican public buildings and homes with central
heating is higher than those in Japan.

1 During the interview. Miss'Tanaka said her social and
cultural activities here. did not differ much from those at
home. She enjoys attending foreign films... picnics. lectures.
and plays. and participating in ice skating. boating. and
photography excursions. For a quiet hobby she collects

stamps. All of these activities require only regular clothing;
Miss Tanaka-has no religious preference and. therefore. does _A
not attend church (she comes from a Buddhist family). 'When
an ‘od‘casion calls for a rather dressy garment. a suit is worn;
‘for‘ casual. wear. blouses and skirts are worn. Western-style \

dresses have been completely omitted from her wardrobe. ' ‘ x

\

\

wwawn—‘wm'vw‘s—Fvw "1

_"' 'Il"' r—v—n. w—uwr_1 ‘T—Iv—v

1,.w,

.—' Y‘w.’- ,F

n .1. “Tn- :-

7-1- _.'_' .

 

 

52

Miss InouyeOOOOOOOOO0.0.0.0...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...OJaPaneBe

uMiss Inouye was born in Otaru. Hokkaido. Japan. twenty-two
years ago. Otaru is a northern industrial city located on
Ikikaido. a large island of Japan. By air travel Otaru is
approximately 600 miles from Tokyo. 1At the present time Miss
'Inouyeis family is living in Tdkyo where her father. a dentist."
maintains his practice: he holds a D.D.S. degree from Tokyo
Medical and Dental University. Mrs. Inouye studied Art and
French at'a junior college in Japan but has not had a career
outside of being a housewife and mother to their three children. a
.twenty-six year old son. Miss Inouye. and a seventeen year old
daughter.-

In Japan the Inouye family is considered to have upper
, class status. They own a home. a two-story stone house. .'
degigned with western as well as Japanese influence. A huge
living room is furnished in Japanese modern with a carpeted ‘ ‘ I
. floor. living room set. piano. desk. fireplace. and pidturei
window while the other rooms have tatami flooring but contain
the same influence in furnishings." Nine rooms make up the
‘home: the maid has one of these rooms for her own and is
treated like a member of the family.

‘Since August of 1958. Miss Inouye has been in the United

States studying at the College of Wooster in Wooster.0hio.

53

Columbia University inNew York. and Michigan State University. '

Atlmme she attended elementary school. Toyo Biwa Senior High
and Toyo Eiwa Junior College. Miss Inouye has. had a desire
fiastudy in a foreign country since she was a child when her
fafily was involved in diplomatic work.. She chose to study in
the United States because her aunt. now working with UNICEF.
has graduate of Teachers’ College. Columbia University and
,wasgfleased with her educatiOnal visit here. Miss Inouye
receives some scholarship aid. money from-her parents. and
'having been influenced by the independence of American women.
has a job so that she does not have to receive complete support
from ‘her parents. Miss Inouye states her feeling in her own ‘
imuds: ."Iknow what freedom really means . . . freedom muSt
he with responsibility. Going to school here and getting to
know all peoples has been good. I'm less prejudiced now: .

. \\
I used to refuse to know :Chinese. Koreans. and Formosans. I

‘ a..

know now what is right for men and women through democracy." ‘\.

Clothing

.At‘homeMiss Inouye and her family wear Western clothing
all the time. Wool. cotton. and synthetic fabrics are most

Q

comon for daily use while silk is reserved for dress or formal

occasions .

The national costume of Japan. the kimono. is not required

 

 

54

g.
dress for any national holiday although many wear this traditional
garb for New Year's day. wedding parties. school graduations.

and international receptions. Usually. girls do not wear a

kimono until graduation from high school because they are
expensive and not worn often enough for a growing girl to own
me. In addition. young peOple are not fond of wearingthe I A - E

:imono because the body is swathed in clothingthat restricts

ctivity .

Japanese dancing. not social dancing’but an expres ,
ive. dramatic dance. calls for thekimono costume. Miss ' '
nouye has 'one of these traditional kimonos here that she ‘l
ears with a pre-tied obi because few people in (the United

.1 . F
:ates are able, to correctly tie the obi and‘it is impossible ' ‘

.

"tie your own. At the' time of her interview Miss Inouye - - ‘
s wearing a lovely. purple and pink floral printed. kimono-

{led‘ lounging robe (yukata) in silk.

\ I
. “\j, i ‘
-All of the Inouye family clothing purchases are made in

|

— a—v—v rrn. .,
0

:yo. in a large depato (department store) or at tailor- . L
ssmaker shops. Since little good. ready-to-wear clothing I '- .
available when-Miss Inouye was home in .1958. most of her

thing was either made by herself or by 'a dressmaker. She

168 much time in planning so that she can buy economically

..

re she is beginning to pay for her own clothing. Ber
erence is .for practical. functional clothing that is

la in style and can be worn for a long time. :"My mother 3 ' g,

. ‘ i

’ J I:

 

 

s"

III

. A

L:

\I

 

s
‘.L'

I:
_‘I

1

'P

‘v

n“

 

55
often helped me in the selection of my clothing. She's older.
knew what I wanted. and had very good ideas.“ Other ideas.

flnrclothing purchases at home came from American magazines

smflxas Vogue. Seventeen. Madmoisellg. and some French magazines.

In America Miss Inouye has found much pleasure and
satisfaction in looking through pattern bodks. buying patterns
and cotton material. and making some of her garments. "In
Japan we don't have patterns and I like them.very much."

Miss Inouye is an active member of a Protestant Church
and enjoys participating in church work. Her hobbies are
creative but quiet. such as flower arranging. oil painting.
gardening. and doll-making. None of these require specialized
clothing.w For swimming she wears a bathing suit: ". . . but.
we do not sunbathe. we don't want to be any darker so we use
parasols during the summer." She finds little time for sports
E hereybut wears bermudas and slacks around the dormitory. not.

\

to~school. Activities this past year atMichigan State have\~

'included concerts. travelogs. and the campus.United Nations.
MissInouye commented that she did not like socialdancing'

and further remarked that formals and evening bags were
unnecessaryditems in her wardrobe. Although winters are
colder in the Uhited States than in Tdkyo. Miss Inouye dislikes

heavy coats and has selected light. warm coats. leotard tights.

wool skirts. sweaters. and much-enjoyed snow boots. Because

\ a

\ -

g z - ‘ \j‘.

wr—Iv'w 1‘.‘-‘-"_'

 

1"‘ww— w ar-f ‘f a.‘-r

‘FW __‘ '— _—. —_ arr,

V r—vrl- v-V _

'LVT w ""'

 

J l t. 111-11 III at. .

.te...|l||l|l ll“!

4.

5.6

er mother wanted her to, spend little time away from her.

:udies doing laundry. all of her lingerie and sleepwear are

me easy-to-care-for variety in nylon. Long pajamas are

.rn during the winter and short. sleeveless ones worn when the
.rm weather islat hand.

Most of Miss 'Inouye's original wardrobe was purchased in
.pan before coming to the United States. She did not want I”
seem strange among other young people here so she purchased
few popular styles of clothing after her arrival. four dresses ‘
d four suits. Three of the suits were heavyweight and three
,the dresses were lightweight. 'Now. all of her clothing.
cept for blouses. has been purchased in the. United States:

e orders her blouses from Japan because. she related. they
e of good fabric. style. workmanship. and about one-third
expensive] as American garments. Miss Inouye's present

“M . ,
rdrobe‘as fairly new because. since leavinghome. she has
i

I

ined' weight and has changed her taste in color and style. ‘\

is change of taste for clothing she attributes to the influence \

‘v'

the art courses in which she has her major. She frowns upon
art skirts : she feels they are unbecoming. Miss Inouye
alikes the bleaching of hair and extreme use of make-up
Lch makes”. . .. girls look not like students but cheap.

:k-street girls . "

 

|

"x

. \-““““ ‘

CHAPTER V
ANALYSIS OF DATA
Questionnaire

From-the questionnaire. it was discovered that four months
was the least-amount of time any of the participants in this
study had been in the united States: an accumulation of twenty
years from several visits here was noted as the greatest length
of time. All of these women have come frdm urban families.

In each of seven cases. the father of the family holds a.
minimum of a Bachelor's degree: in one case. the father is a
graduate of a military school. Six mothers hold college
degrees and two are high school graduates.

The question. "Check the category most appropriate in \  -~e~e
describing the total income of your parents as closely as

1

\possible in American money." proved to be a poor one. Seven

\

students had no idea of the amount of their family income;‘

\ "

\tone student who gave an estimate felt.the need to qualify;her

statement by saying that money at home was worth six times
more than here in the United States.

At home. all the women have shopped primarily in large

department stores in large cities. In reference to Table I

(page 58) it was found that underclothing. sleepwear. and outer-

clothing (coats and jackets) have most often been purchased.

 

in the ready-to-wear market.

58

The national costumes are hand-

mdekw'dressmakers: very little interest was shown in home .

 

 

 

sewing.
Pafle I. Group Responses of Eight Respondents Concerning
Clothing Practices at Home -
Made by Made at Made at.
Buy ready- tailor or home by home by.
made dressmaker yourself. another.
'nderclothes . 7 l l . l
leepwear '7 3
louses 4 3 2
kirts 2 4 2 3 '
resses l 6 ‘ l 2
oats 6 5 3
ackets 7 3 ‘ -l
imono ‘ 4 ! ~ 1
andarin Dress __ __4_ __ __
TOTALS 34 30 4 4 13

‘_

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘

“Weather conditions" and "money available" either greatly

'moderately influenced the entire sample in their clothing

Ichases since coming to the United States (see Table II.

ge 59). Over half showed a moderate influence from

othing that others have: only one was influenced from clothing

rn by classmates to class.

' l
I

 

—v- w —-— -—-———- -—:s--- r———-— v-

 

 

59‘

Table II. Factors Influencing Clothing Purchases of Seven*
Respondents since Their Arrival in the United

 

 

 

 

 

States
Factors Influencing -
.Purchases . Extent of Influence.
‘Greatly Moderately Slightly Never
New fashions. styles .4 2~ "’ 1
.Money available I ‘2 5
Marital status 2' 4 1
Religion ' 1.
Weather conditions 2 5 '
Dates. social activities .3 3
Sports. hobbies 3 .3
Clothes that others have 4.
Clothes worn by others
to class 1 6
/
TOTALS . 4 28 15 ~ 16

 

 

_ *One student has been in the United States only four months
\\\and has not purchased any clothing since her arrival. I

\ ‘ . '
\‘Q

The following statements result from an analysis of Table III.

\.

(\page 61: 'fl’ . ki;i_
'l. AThe main influence in seven wardrobes is Western.
2. Great interest is evidenced in the use of clothing
‘ .separates. such as jackets. suits. blouses. skirts. and sweaters.

3. Twice as many short sleeve blouses as long sleeve blouses

were counted.

 

 

60
4. Of the skirts. the heavy weight sheath and light
weight full skirt are the most popular:
5. Seven respondents own slacks; five have more than
one pair.
6. Six women have bermuda shorts in their wardrobes.
7. Nylons are worn by seven respondents: anklets by
only five. '
8. Seven of the'women own at least three pairs of
flat heelshoes. \
9. Seven respondents have snow boots; all have been
purchased since the women arrived in the United States.
10. All the Japanese own at least one hat; no Chinese
woman has a hat. ‘ 7
11. .Each of the students has a!minimum of four
’scarves. .
‘§§\ _ 12. All the women own handbags. mainly the clutch type. ;
. 13. Three Chinese girls have_a minimum of twenty \\
\mandarin dresses. I , I .

\ v

14. The four Japanese women own at least one kimono.

-\

Table III.

Wardrobe Items

61

Cases

Itemized Wardrobe Giving Total Number As Reported
by Questionnaire from Each of Eight Oriental Women

No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Group

 

 

 

 

1* 2 3 4 S 6 7 8 Total
Coats
Fur l 1
,; Fur-like ‘
(synthetic) ’ ' p
Long-heavy weight 'i'l 4 3 1 l - 3 2 ~15 -
light weight 2 l .l 3 ‘ 7
Short-heavy weight 1 3 l 2 l 8.
light weight 2 l 3
Rain ' 1 1 l l l l l l 8
Separate Jackets 1 ‘2 6 l6 2 4 l 32
Suits 3 7 2 4 5 9 30.
Dresses
Formals 4 1 l 6
Cocktail 8 8
Casual ~10 3 6 8 2 29‘
Dressy 10 3 2 4 4 23 /
Blouses \
“x Casual-long sleeves 6 5 6 6 2 3 3 31.
N short sleeves -1o 10 s 24 6 6 .7 as;
\_Dressy—long sleeves ' 1 2 -1 ~ 4
short sleeves 5. 3 2 10
Sweaters _
\ Cardigan 8 20 7 6 7~ 10 '5 7~ 70
Pull-over 6 5 5 3 . l4 2 3 .383
Skirts
_ Sheathéheavy weight 5 4 5 15 4 4 37-
light weight 5 3 3 4 2 ' 4 ‘21
Full -heavy weight 4 2 5 2 4 2 19
\ » light weight 5 7 5 5 3 4 5 34

\

 

6 2 ‘ “has?“

 

 

 

 

;\ _
-Table III. Continued
Cases
Wardrobe Itesm No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Group
1 2 3 4 '5 6 7 8 Total'
’Sportswear
Slacks 2 2 3 l 2 3 1 l4
Pedal pushers
Toreadors l .1
Bermuda shorts 1 l 4 l l 2 10
Jamaica shorts 2 ‘2
Short shorts ~l l
Culottes .
Ski - pants
jacket ~
Bathing suit 1 l l 1 47”
Hosiery .
Nylons l 6 7 2 ‘ 6 7 4 33
Anklets 6 6 6 10 4 ‘32
Knee socks 2 3 2 l 8
Leotards 6 l 3 10
Shoes ' ' f ‘
Flats 4 7 3 6 l 5 3 3 32 \ ‘\
Heels 5 3 4 4 2 3 5 26
Sneakers Q- l i 1
\ Boots . ‘ 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 10
Head Covering
‘ Hats , , 3 5 ‘1 - 6 ‘\15
scarves 104 10 4 6 5 13- 4 '11 63
~thdbags ' f’ ~ ‘ 1
Clutch 6 1 2 l 5 4 2 ' 2 23”’
Overarm or '
shoulder l l 4 5 l 3 15
Evening _ 4 1 . l l 4 ll
”Mandarin-Dress _ 20 100 2 45 167
~ Kimono 8 6 1 3 18
Obi 3 l l 3 . 8
.Tabi 5 l 6
Gets 1 3 4

 

 

a..-

63

 

 

Table III. ‘antinued
*Number 1 is the first.Chinese respondent. Miss Wong.
' 2 is the second Chinese respondent. Miss Yi

‘3 is the third Chinese respondent. Miss Lew '
'4 is the fourth Chinese respondent. Mrs. Chang
Siis the first Japanese respondent. Miss Yamado .
6 is the second Japanese respondent. Miss.Nori‘ . .K““f
7 is the third Japanese respondent. Muss Tanaka " '
8 is the

fourth Japanese respondent. Miss Inouye'

‘0“;o-ofi-O O .oo‘uo‘51 ~ "IO. sud

at,» M.vb-w 3“- "*

‘er ~aW¢fhv~ e‘

.- , ’u-dfweabd". " "‘- ‘

64

Other Findings From Questionnaire and Interview

1. All participants wear their national costumes at least

once each year.

‘2. For formal wear. the total sample wears national

[garments made of silk.

3. All participants feel that their national costumes

are uncomfortable.

4. One Japanese girl rejects her national costume.

5. One Chinese girl feels conspicuous and self-conscious

in her national dress.

Seven participants have worn western clothing since

I
7. Oriental children wear Western clothing.

/ _
Many wear Western-style pajamas for their comfort.~_ 3

All women in this study have some synthetic fabric

_ - !
in.their wardrobes. "

10. Only cash purchases are made by all respondents.

\

11. The variety and intensity of color in American

clothes
was often mentioned.

12. Red is a popular color with the Chinese.

“' -- -— ‘v‘w-N

CHAPTER VI

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

FURTHER STUDY

The purposes of this study were: (1) to gain some under-

standing of the national dress and cultural background of the W
Chinese and Japanese students. (2) to discover their familiarity
with Western dress before coming to the United States. (3) to A.
obtain information regarding the buying practices and kinds of
clothing purchased and worn before coming to the United States.
(4) to discover the attitudes and values of these students
toward Western dress. (5) to determine the kinds of clothing
items selected and purchased in this country. and (6) to
ascertain the influence of Western dress on their wardrobes.
To secure information regarding background and clothing
'\practices. a questionnaire was formulated. Further collection
" of data resulted from the administration of the interview-1.
schedule which was developed to incorporate some depth inter-
.viewtechniques with, probe questions. such as "why?. " "explain."
and ’ "to what extent was this done."
Following the participant's completion of the questionnaire
‘ and interview schedule. the author wrote an individual.
descriptive case on each of the eight Oriental women. In each

instance an attempt was made to be as objective and “as accurately

\
o

65

v. .. a..."

~“n.--e—- «up.-. u-..-..-—-I._‘¢*—a—e “-o,_..-____..___ ‘ . .-

A «was... 1...“...

-u—vun, ..

‘.—a. M... .- .,...._...

;-——— ma—c..._.

 

66

.descriptive as possible. From the accumulation of information

gathered by the instruments and conversations during the inter-

views. some generalizations relating to clothing and cultural

background have been formulated.‘ These generalizations and'

comments are only true of this small sample of Oriental
students: they are not to be considered indicative of all
Oriental women students in the United States or women in the
whole of China or Japan. Extensive research in this area is
mandatory before generalizations'concerning Oriental populatiOns
could possibly be considered valid.
Of the total sample of eight women. one is a home economist.

on leave from her job as a Home Management Specialist. None

of the sample showed a special clothing interest.

I .It appears that there is extremely wide acceptance of /
Western-style clothing by these Chinese and Japanese students.

This acceptance is believed to be related‘to the comments '

made by the entire sample concerning the uncomfortableufeatures

, of their national costumes. western-style clothing comprised

\-

~_—'~-

more of the students' wardrobes than does Eastern-style

.clothing. Although Western-style clothing is acceptable for

most occasions. Eastern-style costumes are worn for formal
events. such as weddings. funerals. and national holidays.
All but one of these Oriental students were introduced to

western-style clothing when they were born so that there were

‘ ‘3 \“““ '

«x

i

 

67
relatively slight adjustments needed by the student in adapting
to clothing practices in the United States;

The differences in the economic systems between the East

" and West were noted; these women stated'that clothing of

equal quality could be purchased for less money in the Orient.
These purchases were cash payments and many times made in
accordance with a planned budget.

Some cross cultural fertilization was noted. Educational
visits to the United States seem to increase the interest in.
and acceptance of peoples from other countries and cultures..
western living offers some conveniences to the Oriental; ¢{““§
automatic hot water and efficient central heating systems‘were‘
often mentioned. The women felt that there was more freedom

of living here due to American emphasis on individuality and I

'.the accent on youth. Several respondents mentioned the great

\\Q.respect shown for the elder or aged citizen in Oriental society.

I .

\ - . .
Suggestions for further study in this and related areas

\

gare: ' . x:

l.“ A study of the ready-to-wear markets of Oriental

',clothing available in the Uhited States.’

2. Color preference of the Oriental student in the
selection of personal clothing.
3. A study to determine the relationship-between the

acceptance of Western clothing and Western customs and patterns

m—fl—‘v—fi4‘4 4

 

68
of living.
4. The influence of World War II as a factor in the
' Westernization of China and Japan. .
5. The relationship of the rural and urban Oriental in
continued use of the national costume or acceptance of
_Western-sty1e clothing. I
6. A study to discover the degree of change in traditional

customs in China and Japan.

7. A cross cultural study to discover Clothing attitudes.

)

-..«-~\om-“-‘-Mo~4«—Q‘v "M. —. A “4...... -%-.W1M-.

 

r. "A; w ..‘-.‘-.-..n.’ *“-.- it mew-e. Mu‘hmnhn .4-

mM-O Mum eowmoflu “can 4... ‘-‘-da--eh~w “‘3‘... ' -

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bodks

Bennett. John w.. Passin.Herbert and McKnight. Robert K.

In Search of Identity. ~Minneapolis: The University of

' .Minnesota Press. 1958. 3

Chamberlain. Basil Hall. .Things Japanese. Albemarle Street.
London: John Murray. 1905. ‘ ‘

de Garis. Frederic. Their Japan. Ybshikawa. Yokohama. 1936.
East and West Association. The. The People of China. New
York. 1944. '

Endacott. G. B. A History of Hong Kong., London: Oxford.
university Press. 1958. .

Goode. Williava. and Hatt. Paul K. .Methods in Social Research.
‘New York: ‘McGraweHill Bock Co.. Inc.. 1952.

Isaacs. Harold R. Scratches On Our Minds. New York: (The
John Day Company. 1958.

. \/ “‘

Joya. Mock. ‘gpaipt Custoge and Manners of Japap. March. 1953. ~.

Hahn. Robert L.-and Cannell. Charles F. Survey Research Center.
university of Michigan.‘ The Dynamics of Interviewing., '
New York: thn Wiley and Sons. Inc.. 1957. ‘ “

Kato. Hidetoshi. Japanese Popular Culture. Rutland. Garment:
Charles E. Tuttle Company. 1959. A \‘\ .

Langner. Lawrence. The Importance of Wearing Clothes. New'
York: Hastings House. 1959.

Latourette. Kenneth Scott. .ghe Chinese. Their History and
Culture. New York: The Macmillan Company. 1943.

Lew. Dr. T. T.. Prof. Hu Shih. Prof. Y. Y. Tsu. and Dr.
’Cheng‘Ching;Yi. 'China ToaDay'Through“Chine8e Eyes.
New York: George H. Doran Company. 1922.

. v
t 1

69 ‘

 

 

/‘lf
.3

70

MCNair. Malcom P.. Brown. Miltoan.. Leighton. David S. R..
and England. Wilbur B. Problems in Marketing. New York:

McGraw-Hill Book Company. 1957.

Nitobe. Inazo and Others. Western Influences In Modern Japan.
Chicago. Illinois: The University of Chicago Press. 1931.

Payne. Stanley L. The Art of Asking Questions. Princeton.
New Jersey. 1951.
i

Scott. A. C. The Flower and the Willow World. united States:
.Orion'Press. 1960. . ,

Winfield. Gerald F. China: The Land and_phe People. New‘g
York: 'William Sloane Associates. Inc.. 1948. '

Other_Sources

nggen's Wear Daily. Vol. 102, No. 9.9 (May 22, 1961).

‘Wybourn. Marjory.’ "Proposals for Improving the Clothing and
Textile Educational Experiences of Home Economics Students
from Other Lands." Unpublished Doctor's dissertation.
Teachers'_College. Columbia university. 1958.

i.

‘llv -"I.I»3

.ll.d{1. 1!.IIII‘II! -4

1“ Q. ‘11‘1‘1'1 10.." aunt}.

APPENDIX

r|1ll§ielo1l I‘-1.. .

 

VII!

9. Ilnil. :1. Ill-II .«J aov. ;

.5 Vlalul 1.

II (II I‘llel.

l ' _ Background Information Questionnaire
’ Master's Problem Study .

QCKGROUND n-mgmmugg

I

 

1. Name - ' Age

 

Nationality D Country of Citizenship

Place of Birth (city and country) . '
. Are you at present: ‘ Single __ Married __ Divorced ______ Widowed_____
Do you have a religious preference? Yes __ No If yes, please state

your preference

 

1 In what city or region in your homeland do you. normally live and work?

 

P

 

 

Is it. a city , small town , suburb , or rural conmmnity

i what. was (your occupation before coming to the U.S.?

 

that was your approadmate yearly salary at home? i ‘ —

 

How long have you been in the 0.3.? 1

 

l
i .
i - '
'2. List all or the schools you have attended, the length of time spent. in. each
. ' school, and any diploma or degree you received. ‘

‘ \

 

 

\\ . . 1‘ ‘ .3 j
. ‘ , \ .'

3. How did you happen to come to the U.3. to study? . \

" —-— -—.--v.--v~u.~..-..e ...... r,‘ en... .

1

 

 

 

“fl‘

 

 

 

 

 

.5. How is your study being financed?

2.

 

 

 

Brothers

 

5. List the numbers and ages of your brothers and sisters.

Sisters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. What is the occupation or your father?

 

Describe his educational background.

 

 

 

 

 

7. that is the occupation of your mother?

Describe her educational background.

 

 

Q.

\

\

 

 

\\
3. Check the category most appropriate in describing the total income of your“

"

parents as closely as possible in American money.

$1,999 or less __
2,000 or 2,999 ______
3,000 to 3,999 ____
4,000 to M999 __
5,000 to 5,999 __

6,000 to 6,999
7,000 to 7,999
8,000 to 8,999
9.000 to 9.999
10,000 and over

o

\.~ ~‘““ ‘

J
3.

Describe the type of'home that your family lives in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.1. ”Do what degree have each of the following factors influenced the clothing that
you have bought since you came to the U.S.

Greatly ModeratelyJ Slightly Never

 

 

 

New fashions, styles

 

 

 

‘Moneijai lable

E Wtus

+ Religion

 

 

5 a Weather conditions

 

Datcsllsocial activities ' . ~““"."‘"w
§pggts,lhobbies
Wmera have ‘

Clothes worn by others to class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. Do you, plan your clothing expenditures for the year? Yes A No,

. ‘x m For the month? Yes No
\\ g _ ""'"""' . -""'" I
i \ Always __ Sometimes __ Never _'__:_ .
. In what kind of a community do you shop/in ' ' i \ .
\ at home - ’ in the 0.3. ' x
.\ M a /_———-— \ ‘3
Small city ‘ mall city ‘ My
Small town.______ ’ ”9 small tom
Large city Large city

 

~ Other (describe) _ ~ Other (describe)

 

 

 

 

 

i

2...; _. ____ ‘-
n

11:-

15.

 

 

t0 the ”03¢,

A.

V

53. List the towns and/or cities who 0 you have purchased clothing since you came

”ta-‘7‘.“

 

 

 

 

 

 

At what type of store do you buy clothing

 

 

at home in the 11.3.
Large department store __ Large department store __
Small department store __ (Small department store __
Chain Store '_______ Chain store ______
3 Speciality shop ______ Speciality chap ' _;____
Catalog or mail order Catalog or mail order __
Variety or general store______ - . 'Variety. or general store __

7

 

Other (describe)

, Other. (describe)

 

 

 

 

In the space below mark I to indicate the articles of clothing you wound
generally buy reladyemade, have made by a tailor or dressmaker, make at home for

yourself and/o; have zgmt__1__1er 1‘ mil; umber make or a W

in 1?qu r h_o.t___~m cmu‘t'z.

.I

 

one or more on! .unna may be checked...

 

Buy ready-made Made by tailor Made at home Made rat home
. or dressmakeg by yourself 33y another

 

 

 

; Underclothes

 

J
' 519594-53 ar

 

Blouses

 

 

Skirts

Dresses

 

 

Goats

 

 

eta

 

WW ~ ,.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

:16. Please list the number of items of clothing that you have here with 101;, the
approximate average cost of the item, the numbers showing eastern and/or
western influence, and the number of those items purchased since your arrival
in the 0.3. 'gyfleastern influence is meant those clothes that show Oriental
influence; western influence is that of the United Stateso

Total Approximate Number of Number of Number
number average cost eastern western . purchased,

influence influence in 0.5.

sleeves

Pull"

Sheath - m we t ‘

.’

ht

31a

 

   

1

Short shorts

-
a .O—nh. n- ‘

ta suit
627: ' lons

 

6.
Total Approximate Number of Number of Number
number average cost eastern western purchased
influence influence in 0.5.

 

_.___.mm‘_ra_.eu‘.__1
T 1

goes
QFlats

!

 

Heels

 

1 Sneakers

 

 

roots

 

r
‘3d Covering
(Hats

 

scarves

 

Jndbags
Slut ch

 

1
Warm or shoulder

 

".vening

 

 

 

3collaneous

_.__._.;‘._. Au- ..... _._

.1. .._ A _._
I

 

 

 

into the previous categories.

{

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

Please list below any items in your wardrobe that did not fit

 

 

 

Yea . N0

 

 

i Ifyes, please list them and tell why you have found them op.

,
r/

' /

Do\yeu feel that any items you have with you are unnecessary? Yes

\.

r

‘30 you feel that you are lacking any items needed in your present wardmbe?

If yes, please list them and tell why you feel they are necessary.

Interview Schedule
Master's Problem Study

ROI-m: ' '

 

 

‘- 3 ‘ ‘9’“-.- v MWWanuna ’5...“ Nu. a.

'1;

2.

.3.

Describe your national costume. (note symbolism)

How'often did you wear this costume at home?

Do you wear special clothing for any national holiday? Describe this and

tell about your reasons for wearing these items.

\ s \“ ““~ .

vat-.- J-.p. ..-_.- ...__.‘— -J

 

 

 

 

2.
a. .hat kinds o.f hobbies do you particzlpate in at home, is. -—-what kind of
activity do you enjoy in your leisure time?

5. Some activities require special clothing, such as a bathing suit for.
swimming. Descrflbe any special clothing that you wear for particular
aetiViti e 3 o ‘

\U who“! ~

6:— In one months time at home, how'often would.you attend:
V a. Movies ' . _ \

b. Dances ‘7' ' l‘ \f

c. Teas or afternoon parties

d. Lectures

9. Plays or concerts-

f. Professional or organizational meetings

3. Others (specify)

l
g7. If’your social activities have not already been discussed, tell me what

I - ' .

i kinds of social activity you actively participate in at home.
i

?

1

UNITED STATES;
8. What do you like about living in the United States regarding¥-.

a. Social and cultural activities...

'b. Winter clothing... ‘

c. Sport clothes....

d. Lingerie and sleepwear....

 

 

10.'

\«

Some Ori.ontal p?ople who have be m hrozght up in an eastern culttrc
may find it diff icult to accept certain practices here in the west,
such as, the independence of women. Are there any fimerican customs
or patterns of living that:you dislike or are dissatisfied with?

\~‘ ‘\Q‘V ' ‘

Describe any customs or patterns of 15.ving in the east thatgyou find
difficult to practice here in the west like sitting on floor pillows
at.mealtime and sleeping on bed rolls. ‘ ~

5.

ill. lkmm and describe specific cases or events where you feel you have had to

-adapt in order to live in a western culture. One example might be in wearing
hats rather than head scarves.

_ ‘ “Marv-M
,\
12. What are some things you have learned from living in the United States
that you.will take to your country? Why?
/
\ / .
\
.\\\\‘ I
‘ R
\ / . \‘\
\x\ f/, ‘ ‘ ‘\ a,

‘ c° CLOTHING:

r—v

13. hhen were you first introduced to westernmstyle clothing? "u’hat were the
conditions?

14. When you are living in your own country, do you wear western-style clothing?

 

-...oa.- “ ‘ ‘

”‘41.;

 

a t f

.‘ “-

15)» To what extent is western clothing worn at home by'members of your family?
(Name specific items and tell to what extent they are worn)

-..._« u“. on..-“ .d »_o_..- A-.-” 44.

4—4 v w __4____r.—__—__—_.-1_.—

l1 ' 7'
_ {where did you get ideas for the kinds of clothing that you purchased at home?
I . ' (To what extent did these sources influence your selections?)

J a._ Newspapers. . a
1). Magazines . . . .
c. TeleViSione o e

do ”OhfieSO e e

 

6. Window displays. . .
1'. Merchandise in stores...
3. Family. . .

he Friends... I

— .m....n~..5...a__nn-..,.- .—.. ~._‘ ,._...____.._‘___‘_ ‘m
M~w--u.-fi_—\ ~. M

I
i. Other (specify)... ' \
1 ~ ' . .
i . \\ .‘ _ . \ 4‘ A‘
3' I . A. \m
127. Did you have a clothing allowance or budget for your clothing purchases at home?
I Echlain. - W/ . I fl?» '

- 9m .l

...‘ H -- «— w-‘-¢_-..._._1_4 -——--~..-—‘ ._

 

 

 

 

18‘.

19.

Approximately, how much money did you spend on clothing in your last year
at home? Explainany conditions that you feel may not make this indicative
of a normal year of clothing expenditures for you.

that kinds of clothing purchases did you make at home to pregnre for your
visit to the United States?

.9.
20.

Are you still wearing the clothes you brought with you from home? Have you
u been pleased with them? Why?

I

i

1 Have you been displeased with them? Why?

=1 ‘ . ,.«~~af‘“‘

i \

'2

E

i

i

‘.

1

5.

Q

1

!

i

1

i

11.

Refer to questionnaire concerning whether clothes at home were readybto-wear
or.made, and types of stores that clothes were purchased in. Question further....

the variety and costs of clothing items purchased, types of shopping trips
1mmde and their frequency, and type of payment for clothing.

/

Mm-‘
__‘A.~_-AHV.1- .-
I . a”...

 

 

mu ‘

 

 

 

I Mieh'

,4
I

 

 

 

HICHIGQN STQTE UNIV. LIBRRRIES

Ill
1

31293105

 

||H|H||||H i
5 2

262