Melbourne, Australia — 24 October, 2007— A paper in the International Journal of Japanese Sociology – published by Wiley-Blackwell finds that the pattern of social fluidity in East Asian countries differ substantially from their Western counterparts, thus rendering the Western research models inadequate for the Asian context.

Dr. Hirohisa Takenoshita, lead author of “Intergenerational Mobility in East Asian Countries: A Comparative Study of Japan, Korea and China” highlights the similarities and differences of intergenerational social mobility between Japan, Korea and China.

“Unlike in Western countries, there is much divergence within East Asian countries regarding whether or not the rapid industrialization results in a fluid social movement. This is due to the disparity in political regime, socio-economic environment and culture.” says Dr. Takenoshita.

He added, “These societies have come to accept the common pattern of flexibility among the self-employed – an attitude which appears to differ substantially from their European counterparts.”

There is common belief that relative mobility rates and patterns are substantially identical across industrialized countries. However, the time and speed of economic development coupled with the diverse political and socio-economic environment in the East Asian countries makes them different from the western models.

Even within East Asian countries, there are significant differences between capitalist and post-socialist societies. Unlike Japan and Korea, China has a higher level of social fluidity between white and blue collar workers, but at the same time, demonstrates a higher level of class inheritance, compared to Korea.

“Governments in East Asia need to take these differences into consideration when conducting research for policy issues aimed at reducing inequality of occupational opportunity” says Dr. Takenoshita.

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This paper is published in the November 2007 issue of International Journal of Japanese Sociology. Media wishing to receive a PDF or schedule media interviews with the authors should contact Alina Boey, PR & Communications Manager Asia at alina.boey@asia.blackwellpublishing.com or phone 613-83591046.