Material and Non-material Examples of Japan’s Differences
Change
Continuity and
Four Key Concepts
Culture
Group orientation
Individual self-expression
Universalistic principles
Readings: Text chapters 12-16
Culture
A process of transmission or passing on of traditions
A process of innovation, adaptation, and creation of new traditions
Components of Culture
Material Things
Non-Material Things
Patterns of Behavior
Any resemblance?
Any resemblance?
Politics remains a family affair in Japan Sons of parliamentarians account for many election hopefuls
Talk of reform is dominating Japan's upcoming parliamentary ballot, but is not affecting one long-standing political tradition - children following in the footsteps of their lawmaker parents.
The tradition is deeply rooted. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's father and grandfather were lawmakers, and when late prime minister Keizo Obuchi suffered a fatal stroke in 2000, his daughter Yuko ran for his seat and won.
This year will be no different. A quarter of the 480-seat lower house is made up of second- or third-generation lawmakers, and about 40 per cent of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's candidates are descendants of parliamentarians.
Patterns of Behavior
A pattern of behavior is a way of acting that is shared with few people or with many and which ties them together.
Why?: Social Capital
Relationships have value enhancing productivity and improve quality of life
Some benefits go directly to individuals others are shared by society (externalities)
Creates norms of trust and reciprocity that reduce cheating and other forms of opportunism
Bonding SC creates exclusive binds exclusive groups into strong identities (e.g. ethnic groups, families).
Bridging SC creates inclusive ties bringing people from different backgrounds together (e.g. professions, politics).
Structures of relations
are ordered and set linkages among people
Examples
Two way relationships among people
Networks
Hierarchies
Formal and Informal
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