The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture Contributor(s): Benedict, Ruth (Author) |
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ISBN: 1946963259 ISBN-13: 9781946963253 Publisher: Albatross Publishers OUR PRICE: $13.25 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: April 2019 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - History | Asia - Japan - Social Science | Customs & Traditions - History | Asia - Korea |
Dewey: 952 |
Physical Information: 0.83" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (0.93 lbs) 332 pages |
Themes: - Cultural Region - Japanese - Cultural Region - East Asian - Cultural Region - Asian |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: 2019 Reprint of the 1946 Edition by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Noted American anthropologist Ruth Benedict wrote this book at the invitation of the U.S. Office of War Information, in order to understand and predict the behavior of the Japanese in World War II by reference to a series of contradictions in traditional culture. The book was influential in shaping American ideas about Japanese culture during the occupation of Japan and popularized the distinction between guilt cultures and shame cultures. Although it has received harsh criticism, the book has continued to be influential. The Japanese, Benedict wrote, are: both aggressive and unaggressive, both militaristic and aesthetic, both insolent and polite, rigid and adaptable, submissive and resentful of being pushed around, loyal and treacherous, brave and timid, conservative and hospitable to new ways The book also affected Japanese conceptions of themselves. It was translated into Japanese in 1948 and became a bestseller in the People's Republic of China when relations with Japan soured. |