Changing Family Behavior in Four Japanese Communities

Abstract

THE Japanese family has changed structurally in recent decades from the traditional pattern of the feudal period to the modern nuclear family typical of industrial societies. However, the attitudes and behavior of the Japanese people with regard to family life have not changed as rapidly as the structure of the family or of Japanese society generally. The variations in the rate and degree to which individual Japanese are changing their attitudes and behavior appears to be related to the type of community in which they reside and to their position in the social structure of the community, particularly with respect to occupational status. This study examines the relationship between community and occupational status (as independent variables) and selected attitudes and behavior related to family life. For this purpose, sample surveys were conducted in four communities in Japan which vary in size from 293 residents to over one million and which vary in major economic pursuit from predominantly agricultural to predominantly industrial. The survey questionnaire used in these four communities included questions about the age, sex, education, and occupational status of each respondent and the members of his family; about family life and childrearing practices; and about the nature of the informal interaction which the respondent has with his family. Descriptions of the four communities, the samples used in each of the communities, and the findings of the survey follow.