Vertical Structure of Japanese Society

It promulgates the values of filial piety and harmonious relationship between the universe and oneself. It became the official gulden philosophy during the Outages period and It helped legitimate the Outages Shogun rule through its concepts of “a hierarchical society in accord with nature, of benevolent paternalism in government, of an ethical basis for administration, and of a meritorious Harmony was established through reciprocal benevolent ruling and obedience from their subjects.

Social stratification of the Samurai, Peasant, Artisan and Merchant was also developed in a animal vein, with merchants seen as the lowest class as they are deemed as parasites under Neo Confucian values. It is not surprising that the IEEE (household/ family) system was also created during this period. The ‘e system placed great emphasis on family tradition and Its continuity, Members of an lee are expected to see themselves as one collective unit and work towards the greater good of the household and not for oneself.

The head of the household is typically the eldest male heir and wields absolute power and responsibility. The lee system essentially placed emphasis on the parent-child (vertical) relationship over the husband-wife horizontal) relationship. This can be seen in the code of obligations for samurai promulgated In 1684[2]. The hierarchical social structure continues to be rigidly defined in modern Japan, and has brought about many societal norms and practices unique to Japan.

The idea of a “good wife, wise mother”[3] was introduced In the Mel]/ period and continued to define gender roles in Japan until the late 20th century. The men were expected to take up arms for the nation’s imperialist ideals and subsequently serve as corporate warriors In the lead up to post World War Two economic miracle. Thus the men devoted his life to work and serving his boss, while the women devoted their life to child rearing and their education, perpetuating the significance of vertical relationships In Japan.

The Bunyan-kabob-relationship Is a vertical relationship that makes the relationship between an employer and his employee reminiscent of a parent-child relationship. It is a long term and deeply personal relationship that forms the basis of lifetime employment seniority system in Japan. The sample-kohl- relationship is another vertical relationship where seniors who are more experienced re duly respected by juniors who lack the experience and who needs to learn from seniors.