Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers at Anti Essays

Many factors helped aid in the dynamic growth that occurred

in Japan and the four little dragons during the post-World War 2

period. Some of these factors were situational factors unique to the

time but some of the factors were cultural. The legacy of Confucianism

in Japan and the four little dragons helped to further the goals of

industrialization that these nations had. The traditions of

Confucianism provided for Japan and the four little dragons both a

pliant public and a model for choosing competent leaders.

Confucian traditions placed an emphasis on the values of the

group over the individual. This helped industrialism by creating a

pliant populace who were willing to accept long hours and low wages

and not question government policies. The traditions of Confucianism

taught workers not to question authority. These traditions carried

over into the post war period and allowed authoritarian regimes in the

four little dragons to go unquestioned by the public. This lack of

dissent allowed the four little dragons to have stable governments

which were critical to investment and industrialization. The stability

of these nations was a direct result of Confucian values being

indoctrinated into the population. Confucian placement of the group

over the individual and strong belief in filial piety also caused

families and local communities to accept social responsibility for

members of their community. This safety net that was provided by

communities and families allowed the government to limit it's spending

on social welfare programs and thus channel more funds into

infrastructure and industry. Confucianism also placed an emphasis
...