An Introduction to Japanese Society

Taking a sociological approach, this text provides a sophisticated, highly readable introduction to Japanese society.

Yoshio Sugimoto (Author)

9781108724746, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 November 2020

414 pages
24 x 17 x 2.2 cm, 0.7 kg

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.

Subject Areas: Social theory [JHBA], Sociology [JHB], Sociology & anthropology [JH], Society & social sciences [J]