Abstract
This study explores how intercultural sensitivity is embodied in terms of people's perception and evaluation of cultural differences in Japan, through the use of Milton Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS). DMIS assumes that a person applies his "peak" experience of intercultural sensitivity to any level or category of culture. This paper particularly focuses on the recognition of national cultural difference out of the three levels of culture (nation, region, profession/organization) that were originally prepared for the study. The questionnaire was constructed and based on qualitative interviews. 1000 subjects residing in Japan answered the internet survey. As a result of factor analysis, 7 factors including 6 subscales were extracted: F1=Overcoming Difference (F1-1=Blurring, F1-2=Positive Attitude); F2=Non-engagement with Difference (F2-1=Refusal, F2-2=Escape); F3=Allowance of Difference (F3-1=Compromise, F3-2=Respect); F4=lnternalization of Difference; F5=Cancellation of Difference; F6=Sense of Not-belonging; and F7=Admiration for Difference. Connections between factors and DMIS were found, while some distinct characteristics that illustrated the embodiment of intercultural sensitivity in Japan were also recognized.
