The development of social psychology in Japan and its political context / Le développement de la psychologie sociale au Japon et son contexte politique

摘要

MIHO HOTTA THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY IN JAPAN AND ITS POUTICAL CONTEXT Various social changes, and in particular the evolving political situation, influenced the development of social psychology in Japan. The early popularity of studies of collective behaviour and ethnic characteristics reflect the political tendencies of the Japanese government of that time. As well, the strong American influence on contemporary social psychology in Japan can be attributed to the political context following the defeat in World War П ; this was characterized by social reform under the direction of the American government. Problems for the future development of Japanese social psychology are considered.