How did social controls shape Japenese identity and citizenship. In your response be sure to discuss the areas of religion and class structure.
Please help as I do not really understand the question
When?
1400s?
1600s?
1800s?
or ?????
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_society
I'd be happy to explain the question to you and provide an answer.
The question is asking about the influence of social controls on Japanese identity and citizenship, specifically focusing on religion and class structure.
When it comes to religion, Japan has a unique religious landscape that has played a significant role in shaping the country's identity and citizenship. Shinto and Buddhism are the two predominant religions in Japan. Shinto, an indigenous religion, is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture and has helped foster a sense of national identity. Its practices and beliefs emphasize the reverence of nature, ancestral spirits, and kami (deities). This religious framework has influenced the perception of what it means to be Japanese and has contributed to the formation of a shared cultural identity.
Moreover, religious institutions in Japan, such as Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, have historically played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and community engagement. These institutions have organized festivals, rituals, and events that bring people together and reinforce a sense of belonging and shared values. Consequently, they have contributed to the development of social control mechanisms that shape Japanese citizenship by fostering a collective consciousness and promoting civic participation.
Moving on to class structure, Japan's society has been characterized by a hierarchical system historically. During feudal times, this system was based on a social stratification called the "Four-Level Order," which consisted of the samurai (warrior) class, the farmers, the craftsmen, and the merchants. This hierarchical structure influenced social control mechanisms by establishing a specific set of duties, obligations, and behavioral norms for each class. It not only determined one's social standing but also shaped their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
In modern Japan, although the formal class system has become less rigid, class-based social controls continue to exist in more subtle ways. For example, educational opportunities, employment prospects, and access to certain social resources can still be influenced by one's social background and economic status. Therefore, social controls stemming from class structure can impact a person's sense of identity and how they are perceived as citizens within Japanese society.
To sum up, social controls, influenced by religion and class structure, have played a significant role in shaping Japanese identity and citizenship. Religion, particularly Shinto, has contributed to the formation of a shared cultural identity and fostered social cohesion. Meanwhile, the historical class structure has influenced social control mechanisms, determining social standing and impacting rights and responsibilities as citizens.