Transcript Japan: A Homogenous Culture

Japan: A Homogenous Culture
Chapter 7
Case Study
How does homogeneity influence
communication?
Hofstede’s results indicate that despite the
common stereotype of Japan’s “grouporiented” culture, it is in the middle of the
Individualism-Collectivism scale.
Woodring believes that this is because
younger Japanese – those 25 years old and
younger are less group oriented, hierarchical,
and formal (p. 172).
Interdependence &
Interconnectedness
 Geography: Japan is an archipelago of four main
islands & 3,000 smaller ones.
 Land mass is equivalent to the state of CA.
Japan has a Constitutional Monarchy
Emperor Akihito
& Empress Michiko
Japan combines tradition with modern interpretations
of the West. U.S. popular culture influences fashion,
food, and language.
Shintoism is a state religion dating from the
Meiji Restoration, 1868- WWII.
Shinto Wedding Ceremony
2 main types of Shintoism: Popular Shinto &
State Shinto, a 3rd existed but was abolished
by order of the Allies in1945. Means “way of
the Gods”
Buddhism came to Japan from Korea
Sects
When surveyed about what they are
proudest of Japanese say:
Maintenance of social order
Natural beauty
History and traditions
Diligence and talents of its people
High level of education
The country’s prosperity
Culture and arts
98% of the population is Japanese
• Indigenous native peoples include the Ainu.
• Koreans and Chinese make up the rest.
Japanese Cultural Patterns
Japan’s relative isolation from the world until
1853 (Perry’s exploration voyage) meant it
developed its own ways free of outside
influences.
Key beliefs include: cooperation, minimizing
conflict, and saving face.
Everyone is on the same page through
schooling and socialization “communication is
done without language” – high context.
Japanese worldview
• Language imparts information about where
you stand:
• gaikoku –
outside nation
• Gaijin –
outside person
Social Interdependence
• Amaeru- looking to others for support.
• Amae – feeling of nurturing for and
dependence on another. Also a sense of
complete dependence based on a wish to be
loved and cared for unconditionally. Seen in
relationship between mother and child, later
in child’s teachers, and ultimately to one’s
boss/employer. P. 177.
Japan’s “Faceless Fifty”
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20707753
• The term, yamato-damashi, or Japanese spirit refers to
group responsibility and collective consciousness.
Japan
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