Understanding Japanese society / Joy Hendry.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hendry, Joy.

Series:

Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese studies series

Nissan Institute/RoutledgeCurzon Japanese studies series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Japan--Social conditions.

Japan.

Social conditions.

Physical Description:

xviii, 265 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm.

Edition:

Third edition.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : RoutledgeCurzon, 2003.

Summary:

With Japan now often leading the way in the establishment of the new global order comes an ever more crucial need to understand a society that is fascinating, but often confusing to the outsider. The third edition of this classic text brings the understanding of Japan into a global context and questions the stereotyped impression of the Japanese often held by those in the rest of the world. Investigating Japanese society through the perspective of a local resident from childhood into adult life, Hendry brings her book fully up to date by covering all aspects of life in the early twenty-first century. She presents the effects on Japanese people of religious fanaticism, disaffection with politicians, the Kobe earthquake and the so-called 'lost-years' of economic recession, while simultaneously admiring the newly vitalised civil society which has emerged. By identifying a new acceptance of internal diversity, alongside a playful fascination with foreign fare, Understanding Japanese Society presents a more complex and positive view of Japan to counter balance the oft-reported picture of economic doom and seriousness. This book is an invaluable tool to students wishing to gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of Japanese society and culture. It will also enlighten those travellers and business people interested in learning more about the diverse life styles of the Japanese people.

Contents:

Sources of Japanese identity : historical and mythological foundations of Japan

The house and family system

Socialisation and classification

Community and neighbourhood

The education system

Status, hierarchy, and ethnic diversity

Religious influences

Ritual and the life cycle

Careers and continuity : opportunities for working life

Arts, entertainment, and leisure

Government and the craft of politics

The legal system and social control.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0415263824

0415263832

OCLC:

50959046