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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Thesis
SHAPING JAPANESE SOCIETY THROUGH CHILDHOOD: THEMES OF CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN CULTURES OF EDUCATION AND PLAY IN JAPAN
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
05/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006961
Abstract
This thesis explores the complex interplay of change and continuity within the Japanese education system from the turbulent 1930s to the transformative aftermath of World War II, ending in 1952. While the period witnessed dramatic shifts ushered in by Allied occupation reforms, this work argues that deeper continuities persisted beneath the surface, shaping the trajectory of educational transformation.
The analysis begins by examining the pre-war education system, marked by its militaristic and ultranationalist ideology. This rigid structure emphasized indoctrination, obedience, and preparation for imperial expansion. The Allied occupation period (1945-1952) serves as a pivotal point, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at democratization and de-militarization. This thesis delves into the implementation of these reforms, assessing their success in dismantling pre-war structures and fostering a new educational ethos through changes in curriculum, pedagogy, governance, and student-teacher relationships.
Crucially, this work emphasizes the persistence of pre-war elements despite the reforms. This continuity manifests in various ways, from the retention of certain bureaucratic structures to the reemergence of nationalist sentiments within the revised curriculum. Examining these continuities sheds light on the complex and often uneven process of educational transformation. By weaving together the threads of change and continuity, this thesis aims to present a nuanced understanding of the Japanese education system's evolution during this critical period. It argues that a comprehensive analysis requires acknowledging both the transformative power of external forces and the enduring influence of pre-existing structures and cultural values. In doing so, the thesis contributes to a broader understanding of educational reform, highlighting the intricate interplay between imposed change and internal dynamics in shaping educational systems.
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Details
- Title
- SHAPING JAPANESE SOCIETY THROUGH CHILDHOOD
- Creators
- Camilla P. Nisco
- Contributors
- W. Puck Brecher (Chair)Noriko Kawamura (Committee Member)Ashley Wright (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of History
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 98
- Identifiers
- 99901125240801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis