The book explores the significant influence of Japan in Southeast Asia, highlighting both its economic contributions and the growing cultural impact. It delves into how Japanese presence has shaped various aspects of life in the region, examining the interplay between economic relationships and cultural exchange.
Culture, Organization and Emotions in a Preschool
Focusing on early childhood socialization in Japanese preschools, this book explores how body practices and emotional management shape children's development. It introduces the concept of 'body projects' to illustrate how cultural definitions influence the physical and emotional expression of children. By examining the body as both a malleable entity and a representation of social relations, the work delves into the interplay between cultural norms and individual identity, highlighting the significance of bodily practices in shaping affective attitudes.
Conflict, Emotions, and the Enemy in an Israeli Army Unit
Focusing on the unique experiences of an elite Israeli Defense Force unit, this ethnographic study provides an in-depth analysis of soldiers' perceptions of conflict, the enemy, and their roles. The author, both an officer and a professional anthropologist, spent eight years as a participant observer, employing contemporary anthropological methods to explore the social constructions of emotion and masculinity within military life. This work offers rare insights into the dynamics shaping soldiers' attitudes and behaviors, enriching our understanding of military culture.
Focusing on the unique gatherings in Japan, the book delves into various social events like organizational meetings, community festivities, preschool games, and drinking bouts. It employs a theoretical model of sociocultural frames to analyze how these interactions shape and reflect cultural norms and practices. By exploring the significance of these special times and spaces, the work highlights the intricate connections between social gatherings and the broader cultural context in which they occur.
There is consensus that the international security environment has significantly changed since the end of the Cold War, necessitating a transformation of modern armed forces from conventional structures to potentially expeditionary ones. This transformation involves a comprehensive overhaul across several dimensions. First, the organizational structure must adapt to new operational demands. Second, advancements in technology, particularly armament, are essential to meet contemporary conflict challenges, prompting a shift in procurement policies. Third, the evolving security landscape requires a change in military mindset, shifting from conventional operations to those focused on expeditionary missions, which may challenge core military values. Lastly, educating and training soldiers is crucial, as expeditionary operations demand additional skills beyond those needed for Cold War missions. The contributions explore the mindset and core values of an expeditionary military from various perspectives, with the book divided into two parts: conceptual approaches and case studies. Contributors from diverse academic backgrounds enrich the discussion, making the content relevant for academia, military practitioners, and political decision-makers.