The Material Child: Coming of Age in Japan and America

By Merry White

Book Overview

As she describes the youth culture of Japan, Merry White draws comparisons with the interests and activities pursued by teenagers in the United States and the contrasting attitudes of adults in Japan and the U.S. towards adolescence. The result is both engrossing and enlightening.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520089405
• ISBN13: 9780520089402
• Release Date: September 1994
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Hmmm...

Good in that it dispels stereotypes as opposed to other books on Japanese society that try to explain it all. This book uses actual quotes of actual students. With the way society changes, it will be dated soon. The cover photo is already dated.

Fascinating Examination of Japanese Teen Life

This book is a very interesting tour of Japanese youth in the early 1990's. Going beyond mere description she compares Japanese and American teens, blowing away many stereotypes on both sides. I found differences where I wasn't expecting them and surprising ways they are similar. Most of the material focuses on the Japanese side, covering their social development, consummerism, opinions on life's big issues, and how both the group and school mould their personalities and behavior. Make sure not to miss the reproduction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police's poster on how to figure out if your kid is a juvenile delinquent. It's a laugh!