Synopses & Reviews
The challenge of the Asian economic crisis in the late 1990s has placed pressure on the Japanese economy to change, causing the nation to turn to science and technology to safeguard its future. In this book, a team of three leading scholars in the field explore the dynamic relationship among science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. The book includes several case studies in which competing views are presented, creating a synthesis of recent debates. Throughout, readers gain insight into the complex interplay between different values and interests, knowledge, and power. Chapters discuss government policy, the private sector and community responses; computers and communication; the automobile industry, the aerospace industry and quality control; the environment; consumer electronics; medical care; and the role of gender. This is an ideal introductory text for students in the sociology of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and Japanese studies. Up-to-date research and case studies make this an invaluable resource for readers interested in the nature of science and technology in the twenty-first century.
Review
"...the book clearly has value as an introductory work for those new to the extant literature on Japanese political economy, business, and related subject areas and, in addition, to specialists who want a handy reference work when dealing with S&T-related topics." Journal of Japanese Studies"The book is completely accessible for readers who are not specialists on Japan but are interested in science, technology, and society generally.... the book succeeds as an introduction to the protagonists and their points of view in Japanese S&T." Isis"The authors of this provocative and knowledgeable book have succeeded admirably in their aim of raising the level of analysis of Japanese science and technology." Technology and Culture
Synopsis
This book explores the relationship between science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. It presents a synthesis of recent debates by juxtaposing competing views about the role and direction of science, technology and medical care in Japan. Topics discussed include government policy, the private sector, communication, quality control, the aerospace industry, the environment, medical care, and the role of gender. This is an ideal introductory text for students.
Table of Contents
Part I. The Japanese Model of R & D: 1. Basic versus applied research: the role of corporate laboratories and universities; 2. Cooperation versus competition: Miti's R & D projects and Japan's science cities; Part II. Science and Technology for Economic Growth: 3. Quality versus quantity: the automobile industry; 4. Technology versus commercial feasibility: nuclear power and electric utilities; 5. Consumerism and development versus the environment; Part III. The International Dimension: 6 Domestic development versus importation of technology: the aerospace industry and the FS-X fighter plane controversy; 7 Domestic technology versus the export of technology; Part IV. Science and Technology for the People? 8. Information society versus controlled society; 9. Women versus men in the science and technology workforce; 10. National interest versus local interests: the construction of Narita airport; 11. The patient versus the doctor: changes in medical care and attitudes to the body.