Japan as a homeowner society: the role of housing and homeownership ideology in Anglo-Saxon and Japanese contexts

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Ronald, R., 2003. Japan as a homeowner society: the role of housing and homeownership ideology in Anglo-Saxon and Japanese contexts. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

While the analysis and theoretical consideration of homeowner societies has focused on Anglo-Saxon contexts, Japan has largely been neglected despite the fact that Japan experienced one of the most rapid increases in homeownership of any industrialized society in the post war period. Critically, homeownership has become a central aspect in the economic and social development of modem Japan. While Japan in many ways fits the category of 'homeowner society' as applied in Anglo-Saxon countries, it has adopted and developed its housing system in ways peculiar to that society.

This thesis examines and challenges the theoretical norms and assumptions applied to advanced industrial societies dominated by owner-occupied housing systems using Japan and Anglo-Saxon homeowner societies as an analytical axis. It addresses directly the understanding of housing and tenure as an embedded element of the social system in terms of roles it performs and how it mediates relations between households and society. The ideological salience of homeownership and its impact in policy regimes are issues that have become increasingly salient in political debates in recent decades, and in understanding social divergence across industrialised societies.

The thesis identifies numerous variables within the Japanese housing and social system, which contrast substantially with prevailing conceptual models. As well as system and structural aspects, cultural elements are also focused upon in order to clarify the role of family systems and values, as well as housing and dwelling practices. A qualitative interview survey was earned out with Japanese homeowners in order to develop understanding of these elements and integrate them analytically. The findings demonstrate divergence between housing discourses and ideological processes at the level of housing. Similarly, the current understanding of the relationship between housing and social stratification, legitimation and capitalism are also challenged by the analysis.

Item Type:

Thesis

Creators:

Ronald, R.

Date:

2003

ISBN:

9781369316353

Identifiers: