Science, Technology and Society in Contemporary Japan (Contemporary Japanese Society)

The challenge of the Asian economic crisis in the late 1990s has placed pressure on the Japanese economy to change, causing the nation to turn to science and technology to safeguard its future. In this book, a team of three leading scholars in the field explore the dynamic relationship among science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. The book includes several case studies in which competing views are presented, creating a synthesis of recent debates. Throughout, readers gain insight into the complex interplay between different values and interests, knowledge, and power. Chapters discuss government policy, the private sector and community responses; computers and communication; the automobile industry, the aerospace industry and quality control; the environment; consumer electronics; medical care; and the role of gender. This is an ideal introductory text for students in the sociology of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and Japanese studies. Up-to-date research and case studies make this an invaluable resource for readers interested in the nature of science and technology in the twenty-first century. The Japanese Model Of Research And Development. Basic Versus Applied Research: The Role Of Corporate Laboratories And Universities -- Cooperation Versus Competition: National Projects And Japan's Science Cities -- Science And Technology For Economic Growth. Quality Versus Quantity: Quality Control And The Automobile Industry -- Technology Versus Commercial Feasibility: Nuclear Power And Electric Utilities -- Consumerism And Development Versus The Environment -- The International Dimension. Domestic Development Versus Importation Of Technology: The Aerospace Industry And The Fs-x/f-2 Fighter Plane Controversy -- Domestic Technology Versus The Export Of Technology -- Science And Technology For The People? Information Society Versus Controlled Society -- Science, Technology, And Gender -- National Interest Versus Local Interests: Civil Aviation And The Construction Of Narita Airport -- The Patient Versus The Doctor: Changes Made In Medical Care And Attitudes To The Body. Morris Low, Shigeru Nakayama, Hitoshi Yoshioka. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This book explores the dynamic relationship between science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. It presents a synthesis of recent debates by juxtaposing competing views about the role and direction of science, technology and medical care in Japan. Topics discussed include government policy, the private sector and community responses; computers and communication; the automobile industry, the aerospace industry and quality control; the environment; consumer electronics; medical care; and the role of gender. This should be useful as an introductory text for students in the sociology of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and Japanese studies. Up-to-date research and case studies make this a resource for readers interested in the nature of science and technology in the 21st century "This book explores the dynamic relationship between science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. It presents a synthesis of recent debates by juxtaposing competing views about the role and direction of science, technology and medical care in Japan. This is an ideal introductory text for students in the sociology of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and Japanese studies."--BOOK JACKET.