基本説明
This volume confirms that differences between East Asia and northern Europe do exist. Provocatively, however, it also points to major similarities as well as significant contrasts mirrored within the two regions.
Full Description
Globalization may be undermining Kipling's assertion that "East is East and West is West" but arguably this is more in the realms of technological advances and consumer behaviour than (say) in political culture. In the latter arena, much is still made of the contrasts between Eastern culture (characterized by collectivism and belief in authority) and Western culture (characterized by individualism and belief in democracy).
Such comfortable assumptions will be shattered for readers of this book which indeed confirms that differences between East Asia and northern Europe do exist. Provocatively, however, it also points to major similarities (e.g. regarding social harmony and the role of the family in society) as well as significant contrasts mirrored within the two regions (e.g. concerning interpersonal and institutional trust). These results are of especial interest because of the care taken to reduce "cultural contamination".
The data is derived from extensive and in-depth surveys conducted by a crosscultural research team in East Asia and northern Europe. Here, methodological techniques were used to control for non-cultural differences as well as cultural variation in how people respond to questionnaires. This survey data is augmented by a wealth of historical and analytical contexts that will make the book an essential item in the library of anyone concerned with issues relating to political behaviour at all levels.
Contents
PART I: East Asia and the Nordic West: Main Comparison * Chapter 1: Different and Similar: Political Culture in East Asia and Nordic Europe * Chapter 2: Culture Matters * Chapter 3: The Order of the Tao: Confucian Versus Liberal Understandings of Order * Chapter 4: A Nordic Worldview * Chapter 5: Countries in Perspective * Chapter 6: Comparing Political Cultures: Major Methodological and Substantial Results * PART II: East Asia and the Nordic West: Special Subjects * Chapter 7: National Stereotypes Reconsidered: Reflections on Political Culture in China and Sweden * Chapter 8: Democracy, Leadership and Political Culture in Korea: Political Efficacy and Trust * Chapter 9: Japan: East - West, or Uniquely Unique? * Chapter 10: Political Culture in Denmark and Sweden * Chapter 11 Political Culture and 'Social Capital': Eastern and Western Perspectives * Chapter 12: Towards a More Solid East-West Understanding * Bibliography * Index
