TY - BOOK ID - 74003156 TI - Japan : the paradox of harmony AU - Hirata, Keiko AU - Warschauer, Mark AU - Yale University Press PY - 2014 SN - 9780300186079 PB - New Haven, CT ; London Yale University Press DB - UniCat KW - National characteristics, Japanese KW - Harmony (Philosophy) KW - J4120 KW - J4127 KW - J4000.90 KW - Philosophy KW - Japanese national characteristics KW - Social aspects KW - Japan: Sociology and anthropology -- social psychology and social-cultural phenomena KW - Japan: Sociology and anthropology -- social identity and self KW - Japan: Social history, history of civilization -- postwar Shōwa (1945- ), Heisei period (1989- ), contemporary KW - Japan KW - Civilization KW - Social conditions KW - Economic conditions KW - Politics and government UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:74003156 AB - "Following a crushing defeat in World War II, Japan rose like a phoenix from the literal ashes to become a model of modernity and success, for decades Asia's premier economic giant. Yet it remains a nation hobbled by rigid gender roles, protectionist policies, and a defensive, inflexible corporate system that has helped bring about political and economic stagnation. The unique social cohesion that enabled Japan to cope with adversity and develop swiftly has also encouraged isolationism, given rise to an arrogant and inflexible bureaucracy, and prevented the country from addressing difficult issues. Its culture of hard work--in fact, overwork--is legendary, but a declining population and restrictions on opportunity threaten the nation's future. Keiko Hirata and Mark Warschauer have combined thoroughly researched deep analysis with engaging anecdotal material in this enlightening portrait of modern-day Japan, creating an honest and accessible critique that addresses issues from the economy and politics to immigration, education, and the increasing alienation of Japanese youth"-- ER -