Heritage of Endurance - by Hiroshi Wagatsuma & George A de Vos (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Heritage of Endurance: Family Patterns and Delinquency Formation in Urban Japan delves into the complex interplay of family dynamics, cultural traditions, and societal influences in shaping delinquent behavior among urban youth in Japan. Centered on Arakawa Ward in Tokyo during the 1960s, this insightful study combines psychocultural and sociological perspectives to uncover how family interactions and community structures contribute to the genesis of deviant attitudes. The research focuses on fifty families, providing detailed analyses of how specific patterns in family life influence some children toward delinquency while others remain unaffected. Rich in life-history materials, the book highlights the unique artisan and merchant traditions of Arakawa, where deeply ingrained social ideals and entrepreneurial values foster a strong sense of belonging and resilience within the community.

The book goes beyond the surface to explore Japan's low delinquency rates in the broader context of its cultural continuity and social cohesion. It offers a nuanced understanding of how attitudes toward work, achievement, and technological competence are passed down through generations, creating a stabilizing effect on societal behavior. By juxtaposing Japanese and American approaches to delinquency, the authors reveal the enduring impact of Japan's "heritage of endurance," emphasizing how community cohesiveness and family traditions act as protective factors. With its blend of in-depth analysis and cultural insight, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the intricate relationship between family, culture, and deviance in a rapidly modernizing society.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1984.