Rapid technological progress after WWII made Japan one of the most developed countries in the world. The political system of contemporary Japan is largely similar to Western democracies as a result of post-war reforms. However, social order has not changed significantly, as historical traditions play a pivotal role in Japanese society. Therefore, Japan represents a rare example of a country that successfully adopted the Western political system while preserving its social identity.
Japan is a collectivist society, where the needs of a group are valued much higher than the needs of an individual. The educational system plays a large part in the formation of this social order. According to Miller (2018), “children are socialized to be dependent on social groups because the Japanese social structure is designed to reward that behavior in adults” (p. 25). While in Western countries, educators focus primarily on academic subjects, in Japan, group activities and moral education are considered equally important (Miller, 2018). To enter an elite high school in Japan, one should exhibit not only academic proficiency but also exemplary behavior (Miller, 2018). Although many factors can have an impact on the performance of an individual in the Japanese educational system, following social order is the key element of success.
Workplace culture is another factor that contributes to social order in Japan. It follows the patterns which can be found in Japanese education. The research shows that Japanese entrepreneurs prioritize ethical conduct over profit (Choi & Nakano, 2018). This study correlates with the previous findings, which show that the Japanese value social order more than individual opportunities. The same research has established that ethical conflicts at work are rare in Japan compared to the US (Choi & Nakano, 2018). Likewise, this situation results from the methods used in the Japanese educational system, where children learn from a young age to work for the good of the group. Moreover, Japanese firms employ numerous practices to increase their employees’ sense of belonging to the company (Miller, 2018). Miller (2018) notes that lifetime employment is very common in Japan, and changing jobs can often prove difficult. The lack of alternatives explains why managerial decisions are rarely challenged in Japanese companies, and conflicts are infrequent. Social order at work is built on peer pressure and vertical organization structure, which does not allow any deviations from the norms.
Family is the third pillar of social order in Japan. Unlike Western societies, Japan has largely remained loyal to the traditional perception of gender roles. While most mothers expect their sons to pursue higher education, only about a quarter believe that their daughters should go to a university (Miller, 2018). Women usually have to marry early, and their opportunities to build a successful career are significantly lower than in other developed countries (Marshall, 2017). However, surveys show that not many Japanese women oppose this system(Miller, 2018). It can be explained by the fact that a full-time housewife is more respected in Japan than in Europe or the US (Marshall, 2017). This point aligns with the previous findings regarding social order in Japan. Instead of trying to achieve individual success, most women are forced to act in the interests of the family.
When comparing Japanese families with Western families, researchers point out several positive tendencies as well. The number of divorces in Japan is insignificant compared to Western countries, there are almost no children in foster homes, and juvenile crime rates are extremely low (Marshall, 2017; Miller, 2018). The Japanese see creating a stable family as a duty to society, which prevails over personal feelings. Therefore, while social norms in Japan are quite restrictive, the emphasis on social responsibility has benefited the Japanese culture.
Japan represents a modern developed country with a unique traditional society. The educational system, workplace ethics, and family traditions play equally important roles in implementing social order. All these institutions are deeply connected by the principles of Japanese culture. Rather than acting in their interests, individuals are expected to make choices that benefit their family, company, or country. The ones who fail to comply with these expectations have no chance of succeeding in Japanese society.
- I chose Japan because it is a highly developed country with social norms and culture very different from the US.
- I learned that societies with entirely different social orders could function with equal efficiency.
- I am not too fond of many aspects of Japanese society, such as gender inequality and excessive focus on obedience. I believe that encouraging critical thinking and promoting gender equality is crucial to succeeding in the 21st century. Countries that do not recognize this trend will eventually become less competitive. On the other hand, the Japanese social order has certain advantages, such as low crime and divorce rates. Overall, while certain features of Japanese society seem outdated, the US could benefit from adopting some of the practices in Japanese education, which promote social responsibility.
- Social order in Japan is implemented by promoting traditional values in education, work, and the family. All these institutions reinforce the importance of belonging to society and acting in its best interests. In the US, critical thinking and personal ambitions play a central role in the social order. Overall, the social norms in the US and Japan have little in common. Japan is an epitome of a collectivist culture, while the US represents a typical individualist society.
References
Choi, Tae-Hee, & Nakano, C. (2018). Ethics in Japan and South Korea, pertaining to business enterprises. Human Systems Management, 37, 129-149. Web.
Marshall, R. (2017). Gender inequality and family formation in Japan. Asian Anthropology, 16(4), 261-278.
Miller, A. (2018). Order by accident: The origins and consequences of conformity in contemporary Japan. Routledge.