Weavers and female weavers: Typical examples of social problems in Germany and Japan

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare typical social problems in Germany and Japan in the context of weavers and female weavers. Design/methodology/approach - The paper compares Gerhardt Hauptmann's Weavers (1892) with Wakizo Hosoi's The Tragic History of Female Weavers (1925). Findings - Despite remarkable differences, there are many similarities between the two works in terms of the economic situations in Germany and Japan. Originality/value - The paper explores differences and similarities in the two works and highlights some typical examples of social problems common to both.