Sociological Work in Japan

Bibliographic Data

ID2297372
AuthorsKeiko Nakao (Tokyo Metropolitan University, corresponding author)
Year1998
Volume24
Issue1
Pages499-516
Publication date1998-08-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnnual Review of Sociology (BOOK_SERIES)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0360-0572 • E-ISSN: 1545-2115
PublisherAnnual Reviews (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1146/annurev.soc.24.1.499
OpenAlexW2163621098
LanguageEN
Citations received3

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of contemporary sociology in Japan. The sociological discipline in Japan has made remarkable progress since World War II. The rapid economic growth during the 1960s, which was prompted by Western influence, had an effect on the direction of the discipline's development. After providing a brief overview of historical events, I consider scholarly publications during the last 30 years to illuminate substantive trends in sociological research. As might be predicted, the changing substantive interests of Japanese sociologists have been in many ways a response to societal changes and needs. I also examine the trends in theory, methods, and empirical research. A content analysis of articles published in the major Japanese sociological journals shows the growing emphasis on theoretical scholarship and the decreasing emphasis on empirical research in recent years. The conclusion presents some considerations concerning the future direction of Japanese sociology

Political science · Scholarship · Social science · Sociological research · Sociological theory · Sociology · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Law

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub