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This book examines the relevance of some major aspects and assumptions of contemporary social and cultural theory to one society that has a very different history and conception of its self-identity from the Western ones in which the modern social sciences have almost exclusively arisen. Japan presents arguably the biggest challenge to the preoccupations and epistemiology of much conventional sociological and cultural thinking. The issue is approached through the concept of "postmodernity", which has only recently been applied to Japan. The value of this construction is explored through an exa

The future of socialism is discussed, with focus on: whether capitalist production encompasses a rationality that socialism lacks; the relation between capitalism & socialism; & the connections between capitalistic development & modernity. The institutional dimensions of modernity are identified -- capitalism, industrialism, administrative power, & military power. Understanding this multidimensional character of modernity is important to understanding types of movements, ie, the labor movement, civil & human rights movements, peace & disarmament campaigns, & ecological movements. Utopianism, which Karl Marx disdained, & which ironically is currently disavowed due to the failure of Marxism, is discussed, & a new utopian realism proposed. 3 Illustrations. C. Grindle

Discusses the relationship between modernity & anthropology in the context of posttotalitarian Eastern European countries. Modernity is defined as a Western ideological attitude, implies progression & a notion of preconceived temporality, & requires the appropriation of social elements from foreign civilizations. In the context of anthropology, modernity is an object, manner, or method of study as conceived by an individual anthropologist in his or her own society. Since anthropological studies were inaccessible to European societies under totalitarian rule, classical ethnography is prevalent in posttotalitarian scholarship, & the introduction of anthropology is perceived as a process of modernization. Anthropological studies in posttotalitarian nations have strengthened scientific approaches to social & cultural studies & helped develop cultural & psychological identities, focusing on the center-periphery relationship. Anthropology's importance to the contemporary world is discussed in conclusion. 22 References. Adapted from the source document.