Social Sciences in Asia

Here is an important volume offering new insights into the generational transformation of Japanese hegemonic masculinity. Drawing on thirty-nine life-histories of three generations of sarariman (salaryman) each working, or having worked for large companies, this book is an in-depth study of Japanese salaryman masculinity, that is, the 'hegemonic masculinity' in Japan. Through Japanese salarymen's own accounts of themselves, the author investigates the construction of their masculinity throughout their lives; childhood, adolescence, young adult experiences, as well as work and family life. While changes are reflected in the participants' narratives, little research has been done to link these changes in the performance of masculinity to the dramatic economic and social changes over the last century.