Many commentators about Japanese society have suggested that it is a relatively egalitarian society with little disparity. Drawing on data collected by the Social Stratification and Mobility Survey Project conducted every ten years, Hashimoto (sociology, Musashi U., Japan) disputes this notion. He also challenges standard class theories and analytic methodologies, suggesting that structural and analytic Marxism is better suited for understanding class structure in contemporary capitalist societies. Originally published as Kaikyu shakai Nippon (2001). Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
