History, Social Structure and Individualism
Carmi Schooler
This paper explores how history and social structure affect individualism in Japan. It integrates a variety of cross-cultural studies comparing Japan with the West whose methodological approaches vary considerably. Its historical comparisons point to many parallels between reveal similar links economic development individualism. Sociological surveys demonstrate that environmental conditions, particularly complexity, have effects two settings provide evidence growth resulting from an increase such complexity. Anthropological developmental psychological maternal behaviors reproduce cultural norms about appropriate levels group interdependence suggest behavior is becoming more individualistic Japan, most probably as result changing socio-environmental conditions. Reported findings on institutionalization values or lead values' continued acceptance indication why embodied cultures structures often seem change slowly than do individuals.
International Journal of Comparative Sociology