Synopses & Reviews
An Introduction to Japanese Society is a provocative, insightful and highly accessible book comprehensively examining contemporary Japanese society. It provides a thorough and critical analysis of the dominant view that Japanese society is strongly characterised by 'groupism and homogeneity'. Yoshio Sugimoto contests the notion that Japanese society comprises an extremely uniform culture, drawing attention to the subcultural diversity and class competition that exists within it. Sugimoto's views as an 'insider/outsider', having spent many years both in Japan and overseas, are insightful and probing. The book's accessibility and coverage of a broad range of issues, such as education, cultural diversity, power relations, politics and gender and family, makes it essential not only for students of Japan worldwide, but also for professional and lay people seeking a general introduction.
Review
"Sugimoto's book would be a fine supplementary text for any undergrdaute or graduate course on Japan." William Nester, Asian Thought and Society"...this important introductory volume successfully portrays the variety, disparity, and complexity of Japanes society and culture. In addition, it provides useful sections on the ways different groups in Japan are controlled through coercive and ideological means. Well written and orderly in its presentation, this introductory text is absed on a wide-ranging reading of research and scholarship on contemporary Japan.... In sum, I highly recommend this introductory textbook on Japan for the complex picture it depicts, for its secure foundation in contemporary scholarship, and for its clear and accessible style." Eyal Ben-Ari, Jrnl of Japanese Studies
Synopsis
This is a provocative, insightful and comprehensive examination of contemporary Japanese society.
Synopsis
This is a provocative, insightful and comprehensive examination of contemporary Japanese society.
Synopsis
This provocative, insightful and highly accessible book offers a comprehensive examination of contemporary Japanese society. It challenges the dominant view that Japanese society is strongly characterised by 'groupism and homogeneity'. Covering a broad range of issues, such as the media, education, cultural diversity, power relations, gender and the family, from the perspective of an 'insider/outsider', Sugimoto's analysis is probing and comprehensive. This book is essential for students of Japan worldwide and for those seeking a general introduction.