Cultural and Social Division in Contemporary Japan: Rethinking Discourses of Inclusion and Exclusion

Cultural and Social Division in Contemporary Japan: Rethinking Discourses of Inclusion and Exclusion
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Country
United Kingdom
Published
2 August 2019
Pages
278
ISBN
9781138310391

Cultural and Social Division in Contemporary Japan: Rethinking Discourses of Inclusion and Exclusion

The recent manifestation of exclusionism in Japan has emerged at a time of intensified neoliberal economic policies, increased cross-border migration brought on by globalization, the elevated threat of global terrorism, heightened tensions between East Asian states over historical and territorial conflicts, and a backlash by Japanese conservatives over perceived historical apologism. The social and political environment for minorities in Japan has shifted drastically since the 1990s, yet many studies of Japan still tend to view Japan through the dominant discourses of ethnic homogeneity (tanitsu minzoku shakai) and middle-class society (so-churyu–shakai) which positions the exclusion of minorities as an exceptional phenomenon. While exclusionism has been recognized as a serious threat to minority groups, it has not often been considered a representative issue for the whole of Japanese society. This tendency will persist until the discourses of tanitsu minzoku shakai and so-churyu–shakai are systematically debunked and Japan is widely recognized as both multiethnic and socio-economically stratified.

Today, as with most advanced capitalist countries, serious social divides occasioned by the impacts of globalization and neoliberalism have destabilized Japanese society. This book explores not only how Japanese society is diversified and unequal, but also how diversity and inequality have caused people to divide into separate realities from which conflict and violence have emerged. It empirically examines the current situation while considering the historical development of exclusionism from the interdisciplinary viewpoints of history, policy studies, cultural studies, sociology and cultural anthropology. In addition to analyzing the realities of division and exclusionism, the authors propose theoretical alternatives to overcome such cultural and social divides.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.