Institutions and Economic Growth in Asia
This book gives a coherent explanation of the socio-economic dynamics of Japan from the thirteenth to the twentieth centuries by means of the evolution of internalized culture and the role of culture in the ordering of the market. The author argues that not only institutions but also culture matters in the ordering of the market and economic behavior.
In the Occident, institutions have been pivotal in structuring and ordering the market economy and coordinating incentives of economic agents, as is emphasized by Douglas North. The author of this book argues that culture, defined as historically transmitted beliefs and values specific to each nation, may fulfill similar roles by establishing conventions and norms of behavior of individuals.
Japan before the Meiji Restoration (1868) seems to be a typical case. The book presents an analysis of the formation of its internalized part of mental model, owing to religious reform in Buddhism in the thirteenth century and the consequent emergence of commerce-based growth driven by a decline in transaction costs in the Tokugawa Era, from the seventeenth through the mid-nineteenth centuries. Institutions had been largely inefficient due to serious cultural conflicts among classes, especially between the samurai and aristocrats. The relative costs of establishing and enforcing institutions were low in the Occident where internalized beliefs were based on the concept of public, by and large common among individuals; by contrast, in Japan, where internalized beliefs were strongly influenced by others nearby, that differed significantly among individuals, the costs were high because of difficulty in sharing mental models. The economic development of the Occident owed largely to the development of industrial technology nurtured under the development of various institutional devices to coordinate activities, whereas the economic growth of Japan during the Tokugawa Era was caused by the decrease in transaction costs in commercial activities owing to the standardization of conduct nurtured through the deliberate development of culture and to the efforts of small producers enhanced by religious motivation.
After the Meiji Restoration, Occidental institutions and industrial technology flowed into Japan rapidly, and the Japanese enthusiastically absorbed the Occidental cultural system crystalized in Enlightenment values. At the same time, the struggle of Meiji leaders to establish national integrity and spirit was an attempt to adapt imported Occidental institutions to the traditional internalized culture and to maintain the merits of historical tradition as much as possible. The book argues that it is not easy to implement fusion or substitution of traditional internalized culture with any "advanced" culture of foreign societies.
Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australiand online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles,
Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.
Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.
Discover the world through ideas, creativity, and real stories with BookLoop’s non-fiction books. Our extensive non-fiction collection spans hundreds of categories—from true stories and biographies to history books, social science titles, and philosophy and religion books. Gain insight into world-changing events, influential people, and the forces that shape our lives. Whether you’re searching for educational non-fiction or inspiring reads for personal growth, BookLoop has you covered.
Uncover extraordinary lives and achievements with our biography books and true stories collection. Explore arts and entertainment biographies, sports biographies, and historical accounts that celebrate courage, creativity, and innovation. History lovers will enjoy history and archaeology books that bring the past to life through detailed research and storytelling.
Feed your curiosity and your appetite with cookbooks and recipes that celebrate flavour and culture. From vegetarian cookbooks to celebrity chef cookbooks, our range has something for every kitchen. Support your wellbeing with health and wellbeing books, fitness and diet guides, and self-help and personal development books that inspire positive change. Explore your creativity with lifestyle and fashion guides or relax with humour and riddle books that make reading a joy.
Create, grow, and restore with our hands-on range of gardening books, craft and DIY guides, and home improvement books. Whether you’re nurturing a garden, learning new skills, or transforming your home, BookLoop’s non-fiction how-to books make it easy to succeed.
Explore innovation and discovery with car and transport books, engineering and technology titles, and computing and IT books. Science enthusiasts will love our maths and science books and nature and environment books that celebrate discovery, exploration, and sustainability. For those passionate about travel, don’t miss our travel and holiday books featuring guides and cultural insights from around the world.
Gain a deeper understanding of the modern world with society and social science books, law and legal studies, and business and finance books that inspire critical thinking and leadership. Explore ideas shaping industries, technology, and global culture through geography and environmental studies and industrial innovation books.
Stay active and inspired with sports and recreation books, hobbies and quizzes books, and titles on antiques and collectables. Whether you love travel, trivia, or restoring vintage finds, you’ll find books that match every interest at BookLoop — Australia’s trusted destination for non-fiction reading.
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
or find our Questions & Answers