The Politics of Conformity in Japan

This book explores the concept of conformity pressure or dōchō atsuryoku (同調圧力) in Japanese society and unveil its effects on law, politics and business, and vice versa.

Conformity pressure is explored from a unique perspective, expanding on traditional psychological analyses by highlighting how conformity pressure acts as a force which interacts not only with psychological dynamics but also with formal and informal economic, legal and political influences. This book also demonstrates how conformity pressure can be comprehended as a societal force identifiable through socio‑political analysis, in addition to traditional psychological analyses. Through such examinations, it reveals conformity pressure as not merely a by‑product of Japanese cultural uniqueness but also as an integral component of socio‑political dynamics crucial to understanding the essence of Japanese politics, law and society.

Employing an interdisciplinary approach and incorporating aspects of economic, political, sociological and psychological analysis, this book will be a valuable resource to students and scholars of politics and sociology, particularly Japanese, as well as social and political psychology.