Name: So Ho Chun Justin
JAPN 2089
Topic: Compare how the difference in economic and social background impact on the values and behaviours between the baby-boom generation (born in1960s-1970s) and Y-generation (born in 1980s to 2000) in Japan.
It is common for the observer to investigate a tremendous values gap between the Y-generation and the post-war generation. It is reported that a lot of Japanese teenagers have already lost their hope of the future and they are deviated from the social norm. In the essay, it would first address that the generation gap in Japan is significant and argue that difference in the economic and social background has caused a significant impact on the values difference of two generation supported by the literature
…show more content…
In the education reform, the students are given more freedom to develop their creativity and autonomy. Also, Saturday classes would be cancelled after the reform and the requirement of university entrance exam would be lower. The series of reform have reduced the studying stress and difficulties of the Y-generation while it emphasized the importance of individual thinking, so they have been criticized that it has weakened the obedience, adversity quotient and the team dedicating spirit of the Y-generation. The post-war generation criticized that when Y-generation faced stress in the working environment, they would not be obedient to their superiors and dedicate for the company. Y-generation, who have been encouraged to develop their individual judgement in the education system while the practice of the Japanese labour markets is still collectivism, would think that the society and the system are exploitive and …show more content…
It is crucial to understand the differences in values between different generation in Japan when we have to deal with the Japanese society. It is common for foreigner to have the stereotypes of Japanese as being obedient, loyal and dedicative to their company. This may be the case of some of the baby-boom generation in Japan, however, if we treated all generation in Japan as the same, there would be wrong expectation, which may lead to incorrect decisions when negotiating or communicating with Japanese. To understand the Japanese society, we have to know the reasons behind the different values between generations, so we could explain why they behave and why they think some issues in that way and have the correct expectation and prediction of their
Gen Y is from Mercury depicts the major character traits of people born within this generation as compared to those born in prior generations. It outlines the parts of Generation Y that are both relished and criticized by outsiders and it lays down a generalized glimpse into the lives of the members of Gen Y. Written by Kit Yarrow and Jayne O’Donnell, the article focuses on some of the most controversial sides of Gen Y and why these characteristics came into play during this generation specifically. It is the firsthand knowledge that both authors bring to the table that makes this article so effective in its purpose.
Over the past fifty years Japan has seen significant changes in all aspects of its society and the way it interacts with the outside world. For example, despite suffering a defeat in World War II, Japan soon became one of Asia’s greatest economic powers. In Japan in Transformation, 1952 - 2000, Jeffrey Kingston focuses on various aspects of change in Japanese society and politics in the period after World War II. These include the effect of the US occupation, analysis of postwar politics, the economic boom, changes in demographics, the treatment of women, and foreign policy and security issues. Throughout the book, the author tries and often succeeds to explain many of these changes as part of the legacy of the occupation. All in all, Jeffrey Kingston gives a thorough economic, politic and social analysis of this crucial period in Japanese history.
Japan’s religious belief and Japan’s modern, materialist society create and ideological conflict that kept on growing. Contradictions between the old and the new, modernity and tradition are part of the contemporary issues of religion in Japan. Ideological conflicts like this create repercussion leaving a schism in the psyche. Because of this, beliefs and life styles of the Japanese community grow to become more difficult giving as a result internal confusion and isolation. As Japan’s economic power grows, Japanese people are able to enjoy many goods and more modern urban areas and cities. Japan industrial era and religion’s messages creates conflict in the Japanese society. People are facing struggle while tryi...
The Japanese society can be portrayed as essentially having no classes since there is a small group of elite and underclass that encompass the numerous middle class. Social differences exist between rural folks and urban residents in terms of family composition, education and participation in the labor force. The social difference in urban setting exists between white collar middle class and blue collar industrial workers and the self-employed artisans (Japan social influence 2014:6).
The Meiji Revolution was a pivotal time period in Japanese history, a period during which Japan was rapidly industrialized and transformed through the efforts of a newly centralized, imperial government. As Western goods and technology permeated the nation, so did Western perspectives on morality and ethics enter the public view. However, such perspectives were not necessarily easily accepted; through the inspection of various primary sources, it becomes clear that, despite Japan’s rapid acceptance and adoption of Western technology and culture, there remained clear resistance toward Western views on social order.
Moreover, the context in which this book was written demonstrates that Japan is going through the financial affluence as well as the greatest boom since it is during the postwar period, much of the financial affluence had been caused by the consumerism in Japan. The author seem to be biased on this theme, despite the benefits consumerism has had on Japan, Yoshimoto goes ahead to give it a negative
90) describes people in collectivist cultures rely heavily on “in-groups which look after them in exchange for loyalty.” China and Japan are high power distance cultures. They have a hierarchical structure where societal movement is minimal. Hao (2015) describes collectivist cultures to place emphasis on “what is best for the social institutions that [an individual] belongs to over personal ambitions and goals.” Both Chinese and Japanese cultures are motivated and driven by success as seen by evidence on each countries emphasis on the importance of education (Country Comparison. n.d.). Long-term orientation allows both countries to prepare for the future and achieve long-term goals. While practical in their efforts they are “working to serve [future] generations” (Country Comparison. n.d.). Leisure time is not an emphasis in either culture and leads to “self-restraint and the emphasis on hard work and achievement” defining both China and Japan as restrained cultures (Hao,
A cohort is a group of people who are the same age or belong to the same age group.
Members of the Y Generation include those born between the years 1982 and 1994. A generation is known as a group of people born in a particular period who would have experienced similar events or experiences while growing up. There are often negative connotations made against members of the Y Generation, as they are known for being spoilt, overly confident and too dependent on social media and technology. They are the first generation to have grown up with high-definition television, mobile phones, internet and social media. Generation Y are possibly more interested in the environment, caring and community orientated than previous generations. The majority of this generation is now in young adulthood and starting their careers. They make up most of the young singles and couples market and are a very critical group of consumers. Many of the claims made about Generation Y are based on little evidence and contradictory, this report seeks to examine these claims.
As discussed in the foreword, when examining a subculture like hikikomori it is imperative to assess the basics of said subculture, its effects, as well as its origins. The hikikomori subculture has provoked much concern in Japan with some commentators fearing a major crisis in youth which has implications for public health, social integration and economic participation. While there is some evidence to support the view that acute social withdrawal has become more common, it is important not to exaggerate the prevalence or to attempt to reduce the explanation to individual psychological malaise. However interpreted, labor statistics simply do not support the idea that the numbers of hikikomori stand in the region of a million and it is probable that numbers are closer to 200,000 (Different).
The generation who are born between the year 1940 and 1960 falls under this generation. This generation was born during a spike in child birth after World War II. The children of this generation had many advantages as they grew up in optimistic and positive times compared to the children of t...
Japan is a very homogenous society made up of about 98% ethnic Japanese. They tend to put a lot of emphasis on family and communities, and value the group more than the individual (Aliasis, 2013). The social hierarchy important and members of the society are expected to conform. One way is showing respect for one’s elders, for example the oldest member of a group is served first and their drinks are poured for them (AngloINFO, 2014). This mentality is common in the business world as well. Promotions are usually based on seniority and people often work at one company their entire lives. This way of life brings satisfaction and pride to the people (Aliasis, 2013). When greeting others it is customary to bow, although the Japanese are familiar with our ways and would expect us to want to shake hands rather than bow (Bazzel, 2013; Angloinfo, 2014). Also, being too direct about what one is really thinking is not socially acceptable. The Japanese use subtle language and rely heavily on non-verbal forms of communication (Aliasis, 2013).
Japan is a harmonious society with low rates of litigation, crime, and divorce. Their citizens learn to be attentive to others, to value group goals more than immediate personal gain, and to broadly include everyone in group activities and decisions.
A single generation consists of every person born within about a twenty year period. The three generations currently living on the planet are the baby boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y, also known as millennials . Baby boomers are the oldest generation still living. They are people born some time between 1940 to 1960 (Newman). This generation is the generation of folks who fought in World War II. After returning home from war, there was a great surge in population in the United States, hence the name Baby Boomers. Their children, Generation X, were born between the early 1960’s to the early 1980’s (Newman). This generation can also be known as the Post-World War II generation. The last generation, children of Generation X, are known as
A comparison between modern Western countries and Japan emphasizes a large discrepancy in beliefs regarding cultural growth in the separate parts of the world (Leonardson, 2004). According to many scholars and much research done on Japan the culture is the perfect example of what cultural homogeneity means as a whole. The cultural homogeneity affects the Japanese youth in how they grow, develop, affect their communities, and live their future lives in the community; this also plays a role in forcing out crime in the country. It also affects the procedures of the police force when interacting with citizens and planning new procedures that require the help and cooperation of Japanese citizens. The cultural