Science, Technology and Society in Contemporary Japan [Paperback]

This is an introductory-level text exploring science and technology in Japanese society.This book explores the relationship between science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. It presents a synthesis of recent debates by juxtaposing competing views about the role and direction of science, technology and medical care in Japan. Topics discussed include government policy, the private sector, communication, quality control, the aerospace industry, the environment, medical care, and the role of gender. This is an ideal introductory text for students.This book explores the relationship between science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. It presents a synthesis of recent debates by juxtaposing competing views about the role and direction of science, technology and medical care in Japan. Topics discussed include government policy, the private sector, communication, quality control, the aerospace industry, the environment, medical care, and the role of gender. This is an ideal introductory text for students.The challenge of the Asian economic crisis in the late 1990s has placed pressure on the Japanese economy to change, causing the nation to turn to science and technology to safeguard its future. In this book, a team of three leading scholars in the field explore the dynamic relationship among science, technology and Japanese society, examining how it has contributed to economic growth and national well-being. The book includes several case studies in which competing views are presented, creating a synthesis of recent debates. Throughout, readers gain insight into the complex interplay between different values and interests, knowledge, and power. Chapters discuss government policy, the private sector and community responses; computers and communication; the automobile industry, the aerospace industry and quality control; the elcv