The Development and Present Status of Sociology in Japanese Universities

Abstract

The study of sociology was undertaken in Japan as early as in this country, and during the past thirty years has become securely established in many of the leading universities. German and French writings have been most influential among Japanese sociologists, with consequent emphasis upon social theory rather than social research. The formal school of sociology was dominant in Japan for many years, but recently considerable progress has been made in the study of contemporary social institutions and problems. In contrast to American practice, sociology in Japan is regarded as belonging to the humanities rather than to the social sciences. Its confusion by the general public with unpopular radical theories has largely disappeared in recent years and sociological courses are growing in popularity in Japanese universities. Japanese sociology has little or no connection with social work and does not emphasize courses in social pathology. The Japanese Sociological Society, organized in 1924, holds an annual meeting and publishes regularly a volume of proceedings. Japanese sociological writings, which are already very extensive, have made important contributions to an understanding of Japanese life and institutions. Arrangements should be made through translations to give Western students more ready access to these oriental studies by competent Japanese sociologists.