Society, Schools, and Progress in Japan

Book excerpt: Society, Schools, and Progress in Japan introduces the reader to some of the major features of national education in Japan, with emphasis on the role of schools in society and in promoting progress. The principles of national education are discussed, along with the contribution of education to economic development. Comprised of eight chapters, this book begins with a historical background on Japanese education from early times to about 1950. The next chapter explains the establishment of statutory principles of national education in Japan in a historical and socio-political context, and examines the problems connected with the aims of national education which have been under the influence of statutory provisions and various other factors in Japanese society. The question of controlling national education in Japan is then considered, paying particular attention to the machinery for policy formation in national education; the systems of educational administration both at the central and local levels; and the dispute arising from the centralization of the control of national education. The book concludes by assessing future prospects for Japanese education, including planning, implementing, and financing educational reform. This monograph will be of interest to students, teachers, sociologists, school administrators, and educational policymakers.