A Sociology of Work in Japan (Contemporary Japanese Society)

This comprehensive, introductory overview of the "world of work" in Japan recalls post-war Japan to analyze the development of industrial relations and the Japanese style of management. It considers the changes that took place in the early nineties when disillusionment set in and unemployment and economic insecurity became facts of life. The authors challenge the preeminence of Japanese management practices which have dominated the literature over the last three decades. --Publisher What shapes the decisions of employees in Japan? The authors of this comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the relationship between work and society in Japan argue that individual decisions about work can only be understood through the broader social context. Many factors combine to affect such choices including the structuring of labour markets, social policy and, of course, global influences which have come increasingly to impinge on the organisation of work and life generally. By considering labour markets, social policy and relationships between labour and management, the book offers penetrating insights into contemporary Japanese society and glimpses of what might come in the future. Underlying the discussion is a challenge to the celebration of Japanese management practices which has dominated the literature for the last three decades. This is an important book for students of sociology and economics. A comprehensive survey of the relationship between work and society in Japan explores the context for individual choices about work. These include the structuring of labour markets, social policy and the influences of globalization. The book affords penetrating insights into Japanese society and challenges current thinking on the subject Ross Mouer And Kawanishi Hirosuke. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 264-295) And Indexes. Over the last twenty years, a huge literature has emerged about work in Japan.