Lecture 5 - Groupism and Hierarchy

Question 1

What is an alternative to Darwin’s theory of ‘survival of the fittest’ that we could apply to Japan?

Answer 1

‘Survival of the Nicest’ - how altruism makes us human (Appleyard). Altruism mathematically embedded in human condition and people who compromise get further, not non-compromisers.

Question 2

Which two parts is the concept of the person split into?

Answer 2

Self (ego) and role (persona). People are socialised in Japan from an early age to separate what their ego wants and the role they perform in society, compared to the West where they are becoming increasingly conflated.

Question 3

How do Japanese learn to categorise the world?

Answer 3

Through a kinship structure, based on the ie (household) system. E.g. first known group to children is family.

Question 4

What are the six defining characteristics of groups in Japan?

Answer 4

1. Clear distinction between those inside and outside the group.
2. All members of a group are hierarchically organised.
3. Head of the group takes responsibility for the actions of all members of the group.
4. Members must show loyalty to their seniors within the group in return for benevolence.
5. Sense of its own history and of a future beyond the current members of the group.
6. Long-termism: continuity is top priority over short-term.