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From ‘Entering into a Firm’ to ‘Entering into a Profession’: An Anthropological Approach to Changing Personhood in Japan

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  • Huiyan Fu

Abstract

Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, the article uses discourse analysis to examine the social dynamics involved in the construction of personhood in Japan. While the gap between powerful discourse and lived reality is a well-documented phenomenon, there is little systematic empirical research on how to integrate individual and social levels of analysis in this process. By contrasting discourse from above and from below, the article illuminates power asymmetry and the resulting tension between discursive freedom and social exclusion among disadvantaged groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Huiyan Fu, 2016. "From ‘Entering into a Firm’ to ‘Entering into a Profession’: An Anthropological Approach to Changing Personhood in Japan," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 54(3), pages 552-573, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:54:y:2016:i:3:p:552-573
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rebick, Marcus, 2005. "The Japanese Employment System: Adapting to a New Economic Environment," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199247240.
    2. Ji‐Whan Yun, 2010. "Unequal Japan: Conservative Corporatism and Labour Market Disparities," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(1), pages 1-25, March.
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