Confucianism and Japanese Growth
Confucianism and Japanese GrowthMany factors helped aid in the dynamic growth that occurred
in Japan and the four little dragons during the post-World War 2
period. Some of these factors were situational factors unique to the
time but some of the factors were cultural. The legacy of Confucianism
in Japan and the four little dragons helped to further the goals of
industrialization that these nations had. The traditions of
Confucianism provided for Japan and the four little dragons both a
pliant public and a model for choosing competent leaders.
Confucian traditions placed an emphasis on the values of the
group over the individual. This helped industrialism by creating a
pliant populace who were willing to accept long hours and low wages
and not question government policies. The traditions of Confucianism
taught workers not to question authority. These traditions carried
over into the post war period and allowed authoritarian regimes in the
four little dragons to go unquestioned by the public. This lack of
dissent allowed the four little dragons to have stable governments
which were critical to investment and industrialization. The stability
of these nations was a direct result of Confucian values being
indoctrinated into the population. Confucian placement of the group
over the individual and strong belief in filial piety also caused
families and local communities to accept social responsibility for
members of their community. This safety net that was provided by
communities and families allowed the government to limit it's spending
on social welfare programs and thus channel more funds into
infrastructure and industry. Confucianism also placed an emphasis
on self-cultivation which has helped East Asian Countries to have a
skilled and ambitious work force. The tradition of self-cultivation
like the work ethic that Max Weber credited Protestantism of producing
lead people to strive to acquire new skills, speak foreign languages,
and in the offices and businesses of Japan, drive workers to strive
with in their firms to improve group performance.
Confucian traditions also placed emphasis on the creation of
a meritocratic elite and the use of entrance exams. These traditions
were in place before World War 2 in the East Asian countries but they
helped aid in the carrying out of the industrial policies of the
post-war government of Japan and the little Dragons....
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