“East Asia in Transformation: Population, Education, and Society”

East Asia is undergoing profound demographic and social transformations, marked by declining fertility, educational expansion, economic stagnation, and persistent gender inequalities. This half-day lecture explores how these changes intersect to reshape families, workplaces, and educational systems. Drawing on research from Japan and South Korea, the presentations examine family change, parental leave practices and workplace cultures, and the expanding role of education in shaping demographic trends. Together, they highlight how East Asia's experiences offer insights into the future of population, education, and social change worldwide.

Monday, November 2, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
202 Welch Building Penn State University Park

In-person and via Zoom

James Raymo, Professor of East Asian Studies, Princeton University

9:00 a.m.: “Economic Stagnation, Educational Expansion, and Family Change in a Gender Unequal Society”

Hilary Holbrow, Assistant Professor of Japanese Politics and Society, Indiana University

9:50 a.m.: “Tainted Leave: Flexibility Stigma and Social Change in Japan”

David Baker, Professor of Sociology, Education, and Demography, Penn State

10:50 a.m.: “The Coming Weird Demography of Our Educated Planet: East Asia as Bellwether”

11:35 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Open discussion and Q&A with All Speakers