An Introduction to Japanese Society
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 5, 11/12/2020
EAN 9781108724746, ISBN10: 1108724744
Paperback, 414 pages, 23.9 x 19.6 x 2.3 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
An Introduction to Japanese Society provides a highly readable introduction to Japanese society by internationally renowned scholar Yoshio Sugimoto. Taking a sociological approach, the text examines the multifaceted nature of contemporary Japanese society with chapters covering class, geographical and generational variation, work, education, gender, ethnicity, religion, popular culture, and the establishment. This edition begins with a new historical introduction placing the sociological analysis of contemporary Japan in context, and includes a new chapter on religion and belief systems. Comprehensively revised to include current research and statistics, the text covers changes to the labor market, evolving conceptions of family and gender, demographic shifts in an aging society, and the emergence of new social movements. Each chapter now contains illustrative case examples, research questions, recommended further readings and useful online resources. Written in a lively and engaging style, An Introduction to Japanese Society remains essential reading for all students of Japanese society.
1. Historical backdrop
disintegration and restoration
2. The Japan phenomenon
analysis and understanding
3. Class
stratification and disparity
4. Generations and geography
variations in an aging society
5. Work
'Japanese-style' management and cultural capitalism
6. Education
diversity and unity
7. Gender and family
challenges to ideology
8. Ethnicity and Japaneseness
defining the nation
9. The establishment
competition and collusion
10. Religion
belief and secularization
11. Culture
the popular and the cool
12. Civil society
activism and friendly authoritarianism.