Les expériences historiques du Japon pour une théorie de la modernisation des sociétés non occidentales

In: Sociologie du travail, Volume 33, Issue 1, p. 189-206

Abstract

This article, which is not always easy to read, is presented initially as a reworking of the theory of the modernisation of societies, which has hitherto been based on the development of Western countries. The author's argument is still grounded in Parson's concepts and theoretical perspective, but he puts forward an Asian model of development, of which Japan (apart from a few historical peculiarities) could be the archetype. Without necessarily sharing the assumptions of Parson's theory, which the author uses to good account, the reader will find this exposition valuable for its criticism of culturalist interpretations of the "Japanese model". A return to history is essential in order to highlight the dynamic specific to this country and to understand why cultural characteristics are now being reinterpreted in order to be incorporated into its rationality.