The Post War Japan

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Background Information
Post War Era
After 1955
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Japan is a very small country geographically but it is one of the most industrialized nations on earth. This essay will briefly examine the post war Japan in relation to its social welfare. This essay will try making it clear who has benefited from the social empowerment trend so far.

Background Information

It has been strongly argued that the pre-war Japan was developing at a slower rate as compared to the western economies at that time. This was in comparison to the western world which had developed slightly early than Japan then. It is said that when the Meiji authorities realized that the country was lagging behind they instigate a plan to modernize from above.

It should be noted that the plan to modernize originated from outside the country and not from the people. It is also noted that the development process was not accompanied by westernization and as such some of the traditional values were still strong. By 1910 it is said that the industrial revolution was already completed (Schak, 2003).

Post War Era

After Japan and its allies were defeated there was a change meant empower people more. This was evidenced by moves taken to make land reformation, strengthening of the labour unions; education was made a great priority and greatly expanded.

It should be noted that the pre-war period made some social reforms and economic progress were instigated from above that is from the authorities. The post war era however was different. The first 10 years to the post war era (up to 1955) was more of a continuation of the pre-war era where the force of change was still originating from above (Ekosha, 1992).

After 1955

1955 has been viewed as the period when the latent momentum of the Japanese people exploded went into full swing. There were many changes which took place from this onward. The education system advanced greatly as more resources were allocated it (Shields, 2004).

This empowered the Japanese making it possible poverty gaps to be eliminated. The empowering of the labour unions also made it possible the labourers to work under fair conditions and earn fair wages. This improved the living standards of the workers (Hein, 2008; Desai, 2008).

Generally the post war era was a successful one. The Japanese people developed and it is recorded that there were not much strife between employees and managers in the Japanese businesses.

This was due to the fair payment made negotiated by the labour unions. The unemployment rates were also very low meaning the whole population was generally empowered. The poverty levels were also very low. It has been said that the cultural homogeneity of the Japanese people made a significant contribution in the in their efforts to work in unity as a nation (Nagai, n.d.).

Conclusion

Social empowerment was very evident in the post war era in Japan. The expanded and advanced education system empowered people with education. Labour unions were also empowered and as such they made a significant contribution to raising the standards of the Japanese workers.

The industrial revolution provided many employment opportunities to the Japanese people. There was less strife between the employees and managers in business units. Thus it can be generally said the post war era was generally an era which was quite beneficial to the Japanese citizens. Social reforms and welfare benefited the Japanese people and raised their living standards.

References

Desai, R. (2008). Developmental and Cultural Nationalisms in Historical Perspective. The Asia-Pacific Journal . Web.

Ekosha, J. (1992). Japan echo. California: University of California.

Hein, L. (2008). The Cultural Career of the Japanese Economy: Developmental and Cultural Nationalisms in Historical Perspective. The Asia-Pacific Journal. Web.

Nagai, M. (n.d.). Social Change in Post-war Japan. Web.

Schak, D and Hudson, W. (2003). Civil society in Asia. New York, NY: Ashgate.

Shields, J. (2004). Japanese Schooling: Patterns of Socialization, Equality, and Political Control. Pennsylvania: Penn State Press.

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