Abstract
In this issue, firstly, we examine the historical process of Japanese family research since the Second World War. Changes in the family research from the end of Second World War to the present fall roughly into four stages. The first follows the legal and institutional reforms carried out immediately after the war. At that period, the family research is concentrated to modernise the Japanese family. The second reflects the transformations in industrial structure and the rapid economic growth. At this period, the research persists with the analyses of inner structure of changing family. The third comes in the aftermath of rapid economic growth which profoundly altered family and individual values. And the family research is concentrated to analyse the social problems concerning family. The fourth reflects on Japanese family in transition and family research begins to grope what the Japanese family should be.
Secondly, we focus on the unique qualities of Japanese family research.
(a) We point out that the view of research is changing from macro perspective to micro perspective and again to macro perspective.
(b) We notice the empirical method.
(c) We discuss the subject of research-urban family-.
(d) We pay attention to the approach-structural-functional approach and developmental approach.
(e) We keep our eyes on the trend of research-the trend to exclude a value judgement.
(f) We watch the strong relationship with American sociology.
Thirdly, we attempt to make clear today's problems and themes of Japanese family research. We have to establish the structural, histrical, dynamic and critical view. We have to commit on the relationship between state and family. We have to create the fundamental theory that approach to the substance of Japanese family.
