Useful Definitions
Sociological Concepts         Japanese Vocabulary

Sociological Definitions
  • Agency
    Self-determination, volition, or free will; it is the power of individuals to act independently of the determining constraints of social structure.
  • Autonomy
    Independence; Self government

  • Diversity
    Diversity refers to the variety of traits, experiences, and cultures of children within and across societies.

  • Ideology
    A set of beliefs and values shared by members of a social group.

  • Socialization
    1. The process by which children adapt to and internalize society
    2. The process by which children become social, or learn to interact with others.

  • Social Structure
    Social structure is any relatively enduring pattern of social arrangements within a particular society, organization, or group.
    • Japanese Vocabulary

  • Amae
    A desire for bodily closeness; Indulged dependence in a mutual relationship

  • Gakkyu Hokai
    Classroom disintegration; chaos; the situation in which teachers can't control their classrooms.

  • Gimukyoiku
    Compulsory Education; Required schooling

  • Hoikuen
    A long day preschool for children with working parents.

  • Ijime
    Bullying

  • Juku
    Private after-school enrichment classes; Cram classes

  • Kodomo
    A child

  • Kyoiku mama
    A mother who is obsessed with education, and heavily pushes it onto her children, especially for preparation for entrance exams.

  • Shogakko
    Elementary School

  • Shudan Seikatsu
    Group life

  • Yochien
    A type of preschool focusing on preparing children for grade school by stressing socialization.

  • Yutori
    Flexibility


    • Hannah, Ellen, Rachel, Joanna




    The purpose of this site is to inform web users on the status and lifestyles of children in Japan. This site was designed by Joanna Boyle, Rachel Riezman, Hannah Wolod, and Ellen Vollmers as part of a collaborative web project for the first year writing seminar Children & Society at Tulane University taught by Professor April Brayfield.