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

by Morris Low (Author), ShigeruNakayama (Author), HitoshiYoshioka (Author)

New
Paperback
1999
$30.13

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 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.

Synopsis

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 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.

$30.13

Quantity

10 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 28 Nov 1999
ISBN 10: 0521654254
ISBN 13: 9780521654258
Book Overview: This is an introductory-level text exploring science and technology in Japanese society.

Media Reviews

'As late as August 1998, Japanese prime minister Keizo Obuchi was unaware of the Y2K bug. That the leader of one of the world's most technologically advanced nations should have been ignorant of such a serious problem may come as a surprise. But it is one of many contained in a new book, Science, Technology, and Society in Contemporary Japan. Did you know, for example, that Japan has the worst dioxin contamination in the world? Or that the Japanese spend twice as much on prescription drugs as on rice? The warts-and-all picture of Japan that emerges from the book is very different from the glistening high-tech stereotype. It is painted by Morris Low, a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland, and two Japanese co-authors, Shigeru Nakayama, the preeminent historian of Japanese science, and his former student, Hitoshi Yoshioka' New Scientist
...the book clearly has value as an introductory work for those new to the extant literature on Japanese political economy, business, and related subject areas and, in addition, to specialists who want a handy reference work when dealing with S&T-related topics. Journal of Japanese Studies
The book is completely accessible for readers who are not specialists on Japan but are interested in science, technology, and society generally.... the book succeeds as an introduction to the protagonists and their points of view in Japanese S&T. Isis
The authors of this provocative and knowledgeable book have succeeded admirably in their aim of raising the level of analysis of Japanese science and technology. Technology and Culture