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Contemporary Japanese Society

What Has Been Happening Behind Demographic Change?

Sawako Shirahase

The main aim of this course is to give an overview of how contemporary Japanese society has been stratified, from the perspective of changing demographic, familial, and socio-economic structure. Basic statistics will be presented to provide a concrete idea of the changes that have taken place in Japan. By the end of the course, students should have an awareness of similarities and differences across nations regarding social issues including aging population, gender gaps in work and family, and socio-economic inequalities.

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The main aim of this course is to give an overview of how contemporary Japanese society has been stratified, from the perspective of changing demographic, familial, and socio-economic structure. Basic statistics will be presented to provide a concrete idea of the changes that have taken place in Japan. By the end of the course, students should have an awareness of similarities and differences across nations regarding social issues including aging population, gender gaps in work and family, and socio-economic inequalities.

What you'll learn

  • Obtain basic knowledge of how various structural aspects of Japanese society have changed or remained unchanged.
  • Understand the basic mechanism of social stratification in Japanese society.
  • Develop awareness of similarities and differences between the social problems affecting many advanced capitalist societies.
  • Think actively about how these social problems can be alleviated.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Obtain basic knowledge of how various structural aspects of japanese society have changed or remained unchanged.
  • Understand the basic mechanism of social stratification in japanese society.
  • Develop awareness of similarities and differences between the social problems affecting many advanced capitalist societies.
  • Think actively about how these social problems can be alleviated.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines social stratification in Japanese society, which is highly relevant to understanding modern Japanese history, politics, and culture
Taught by Sawako Shirahase, who are recognized for their work in Japanese sociology
Develops awareness of similarities and differences between the social problems affecting many advanced capitalist societies

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Career center

Learners who complete Contemporary Japanese Society: What Has Been Happening Behind Demographic Change? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts use research and analysis to develop and evaluate public policies. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social problems that affect advanced capitalist societies, including Japan. This understanding can be applied to the development and evaluation of policies to address these problems.
Demographer
Demographers study the size, composition, and distribution of populations. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the demographic changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the study of population trends in other countries and regions.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to cope with problems in their lives and improve their well-being. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social problems that affect advanced capitalist societies, including Japan. This understanding can be applied to helping people to cope with these problems.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers conduct research to understand the needs and wants of consumers. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the development of marketing strategies that target the needs of the Japanese population.
Teacher
Teachers help students to learn about the world around them. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the teaching of social studies and other subjects that relate to Japan.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in cities and towns. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the planning of cities and towns to meet the needs of the population.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the legal system in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the practice of law in Japan or in other countries that have similar legal systems.
Historian
Historians study the past in order to understand the present. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the historical changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the study of history in other countries and regions.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the reporting of news stories that accurately reflect the experiences of the Japanese people.
Sociologist
Sociologists study the development, structure, and functioning of human society. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing a foundation for understanding the social changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the study of other societies, including the United States.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study the structure and function of political systems. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the political changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the study of political systems in other countries and regions.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses to improve their performance. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the business environment in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the development of strategies to improve the performance of businesses in Japan.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the social changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the study of other cultures and societies.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies to raise capital and provide financial advice. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the financial markets in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the development of strategies to raise capital and provide financial advice to companies in Japan.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful to someone in this career role by providing an understanding of the economic changes that have taken place in Japan. This understanding can be applied to the study of economic trends in other countries and regions.

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Contemporary Japanese Society: What Has Been Happening Behind Demographic Change?.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese society, covering a wide range of topics. It valuable resource for understanding the course's focus on the changing demographic and socio-economic structure of Japanese society.
A comprehensive overview of contemporary Japanese society. Covers a wide range of topics, including demographics, family, education, work, and politics.
An in-depth analysis of the Japanese economy. Provides historical context and examines current issues such as demographics, globalization, and innovation.
Provides a comprehensive examination of the status of women in Japanese society and is helpful for the course's focus on gender gaps.
A historical and sociological analysis of Japanese society. Explores the transformation of Japan from a feudal to a modern society.
Provides an overview of the Japanese political economy, including discussions of socio-economic inequalities. It supplements the course's discussion of social stratification and its economic implications.
Examines the changing nature of work and family in Japan. Discusses issues such as gender inequality, work-life balance, and the impact of aging population.
A classic study of Japanese social structure. Explores the concept of ie (household) and the importance of group membership in Japanese society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese society and culture. It useful reference for understanding the course's focus on contemporary social issues and trends.
Provides an introduction to Japanese history, politics, and culture. It useful reference for understanding the historical context of the course's focus on contemporary social issues and trends.
Compares the Japanese social welfare system to those of other countries. Discusses issues such as aging population, health care, and poverty.
Provides an anthropological perspective on Japanese society. Examines cultural practices such as gift-giving, politeness, and the importance of harmony.
Analyzes the political economy of Japan. Discusses the role of government, business, and labor unions in shaping the economy.
Provides a historical overview of the Japanese education system. Traces its development from the Meiji period to the present day.

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