Cultural Stereotype and Its Hazards
‘Japanese Collectivism' as a Case

Using 'Japanese collectivism' as a case example, Takano draws on empirical research to investigate the destructive nature of stereotyping.

Yohtaro Takano (Author)

9781108833202, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 November 2024

300 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 2.2 cm, 0.58 kg

'This volume is a compelling and insightful critique of the stereotypes and ideologies that Japanese people are collectivistic, homogeneous, and interdependent. The author clearly demonstrates the theoretical and methodological weaknesses associated with these outdated views. This thought-provoking volume represents impeccable scholarship and should be read by all interested in conceptions of culture and modern Japan.' Per F. Gjerde, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA

Although it is widely believed that Japanese people are typical collectivists compared to individualistic Westerners, this view is not supported by empirical research. Employing 'Japanese collectivism' as a case example, this book explores how the dichotomous view of cultures was established and investigates how cultural stereotypes exacerbate emotional conflicts between human groups. Drawing on empirical findings, it theoretically analyses the properties of cultural stereotype to reveal the hazards associated with stereotyping nations or ethnicities. Students and researchers from numerous disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics, will gain fresh insights from this reconceptualization of culture.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. 'Japanese Collectivism'
2. Psychological Studies
3. Japanese Culture in Real Life
4. Japanese Economy
5. Origin of 'Japanese Collectivism'
6. Cultural Stereotype
7. Hazard
Afterword
Appendix
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH]