The Direction of Japanese Sociology: During and After the Cold War
摘要
This chapter explores the trajectory of Japanese sociology from the immediate post-war period through the Cold War era and into recent times. It begins by examining how Marxist sociology evolved in Japan, focusing on debates over its relationship with traditional Marxist thought. The discussion then moves to the 1970s, when mass society theory transformed into new theoretical frameworks including post-industrial society and consumer society theories, followed by the emergence of postmodernist perspectives. The chapter chronicles the institutional growth of sociology in Japanese universities and research centers since the 1950s, documenting its expansion across academic institutions. The analysis concludes by identifying key challenges for contemporary Japanese sociology: developing systematic theories, synthesizing empirical findings, and enhancing international scholarly exchange.