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The “group” in Japan

Explore the concept of Japan as a group society through the frame and attribute model, emphasizing how organizational affiliation and shared characteristics shape social structures. Discover the significance of frame orientation in Japanese culture and its impact on group cohesion, interpersonal relationships, and moral values like on and giri. Uncover the weaknesses of the frame-attribute model in explaining extra-group interactions and conflict in Japan, highlighting key virtues like seishin and kokoro. Gain insights into the unique dynamics of Japanese social organization and the complexities of intergroup relationships.

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The “group” in Japan

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  1. The “group” in Japan • What do we mean when we say Japan is a “group society”? • Nakane: “frame” and “attribute” • A group by “frame” is one based on organizational affiliation. Examples: • Employees of a company or U of I students • A group by “attribute” is one based on shared characteristics. Examples: • Members of a profession, members of a hobby club

  2. Frame and Attribute • In general, “frame” is more important in Japan, whereas “attribute” is more important in the US. • This can lead to confusion • What’s so great about a Harvard Ph.D.? • Where does the “frame” orientation come from? • ie家(household) system • More on this to follow

  3. “Frame Orientation” in Language • Example: the self-introduction • Hajimemashite. watashi wa mitsubishi jidosha no Tanaka desu. • Hello, I am Tanaka of Mitsubishi motors. • Hi, my name’s Chuck Jones and I’m an engineer at Ford.

  4. Group Cohesion • How does the group hold itself together? • “attribute” groups tend to hold together based on what they have in common • eg. US Protestant denominations • “frame” groups, lacking such homogeneity, must be held together by other means, including • Promotion of a feeling of “one-ness”: “us” vs. “them” • Development of explicit ties among members • multi-generational cohabitation; Company housing • Moral injunctions: “The employee is the enterprise”

  5. Regulating interpersonal relationships • On恩 and giri義理 • On is a debt of kindness requiring repayment (but which can never be repaid) • Giri is “socially contracted dependence” (Moeran); a general sense of obligation to the community. • Ninjō人情: “spontaneously arising feeling” • the desire to express one’s individuality

  6. Frame-Attribute Model Weaknesses • How do we account for extra-group interactions/exchanges between individuals? • eg. The use of tsukiai付き合い, or “social connections” for individual advancement • Or, how do we account for conflict in Japan? • seishin精神, or “spirit” as a central virtue • Appeals to seishin in times of change • kokoro心 –“ya gotta have heart”

  7. Summary • “Frame” type social organization is relatively more important in Japanese society. • The web of social relationships at play in Japanese society can be seen in part in the word-concepts on, giri, and ninjō • The frame/attribute model doesn’t explain how intergroup relationships function

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