Based on extensive survey data, this book examines how the population of Japan has experienced and processed three decades of rapid social change from the highly egalitarian high growth economy of the 1980s to the economically stagnating and demographically shrinking gap society of the 2010s. It discusses social attitudes and values towards, for example, work, gender roles, family, welfare and politics, highlighting certain subgroups which have been particularly affected by societal changes. It explores social consciousness and concludes that although many Japanese people identify as middle class, their reasons for doing so have changed over time, with the result that the optimistic view prevailing in the 1980s, confident of upward mobility, has been replaced by people having a much more realistic view of their social status.

About the Author

Carola Hommerich is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Sophia University, Japan.

Naoki Sudo is Professor in the Faculty of Law at Gakushuin University, Japan.

Toru Kikkawa is Professor in the Graduate School of Human Sciences at Osaka University, Japan.

Book Information
ISBN 9780367563745
Author Carola Hommerich
Format Paperback
Page Count 186
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 276g