⚡️ What is Patriotism about ?
F.Scott Fitzgerald:
The Strange Child, a captivating exploration of Japan’s tumultuous financial crisis in the 1990s, delves into the concept of “the child problem” that emerged as the country grappled with instability and fear for the future. Andrea Gevurtz Arai presents an exceptional ethnographic account, shedding light on the vast social and cultural repercussions that unfurled during this period of social unease. Arai astutely recognizes the impact of evolving educational practices, the surge of privatization in social services, and a refreshed emphasis on self-development and independence amid a recessionary climate. Moreover, she skillfully dissects how all these factors contributed to the neoliberalization of patriotism. Here, Arai compellingly argues that the child problem became the catalyst for reshaping governance in education, liberalizing job opportunities, and reevaluating national-cultural ideologies. Embark on a thought-provoking journey as you uncover the complexities of nationalism, the enigmatic politics surrounding the child, and the ways in which the recessionary generation navigated altered life conditions—necessarily leading them to create ingenious alternatives.
📖 Who should read Patriotism?
List of people who should read this book:
1. Sociologists and anthropologists studying Japanese society and culture
2. Economy and finance experts interested in the Japanese financial crisis of the 1990s
3. Educators and policymakers involved in education reform
4. Individuals interested in the effects of neoliberalism on national identity
5. Psychologists and scholars studying social anxiety and its impact on young people
6. People seeking to understand the changes in Japanese governance and job market liberalization
7. Readers interested in contemporary nationalism in Japan
It is advisable to read this book because it provides a comprehensive analysis of the social and cultural dislocation that occurred in Japan during the 1990s financial crisis, focusing on the “child problem” and its relation to economic uncertainty and shifting national identities. The book offers insights into the impact of changing educational practices, privatization of social services, neoliberal ideals of self-development and patriotism, and the role of psychology in reshaping national-cultural ideologies. It uncovers the state of nationalism in contemporary Japan and explores the altered life conditions and alternatives created by the recessionary generation. Overall, this book offers valuable knowledge and perspectives for anyone interested in understanding the complex effects of the Japanese financial crisis on society, politics, and individual lives.
💡 What will you learn in Patriotism ?
From this book, you can learn:
1. The impact of the Japanese financial crisis of the 1990s on issues related to national identity and social anxiety.
Explanation: The book delves into how the economic crisis affected the mindset of the Japanese society, particularly its young population, and the resulting concerns about their future.
2. The various forms of social and cultural dislocation that occurred in Japan during this time.
Explanation: The book explores the changes in education practices, increased privatization of social services, and the influence of recession on notions of self-development and independence.
3. The role of neoliberalism in shaping patriotic ideals.
Explanation: The book discusses how neoliberal ideologies affected the concept of patriotism, highlighting the ways in which nationalism and individualism can intersect.
4. The impact of the child problem discourse on governance, education, job market, and psychology.
Explanation: Arai argues that the anxieties surrounding the child problem provided a justification for reimagining governance in education, liberalizing the job market, and reshaping psychological approaches within Japan.
5. The state of nationalism in contemporary Japan.
Explanation: The book sheds light on the current state of nationalism in Japan, exploring its cultural and political dimensions.
6. The altered life conditions of the recessionary generation and the alternatives they created.
Explanation: The book examines the specific challenges faced by the generation affected by the financial crisis and uncovers the ways in which they navigated these circumstances and developed new paths and possibilities for themselves.
