Wearing Ideology: State, Schooling and Self-Presentation in Japan

by Brian J. McVeigh, Joanne B. Eicher (Series Editor)

Uniforms are not unique to Japan, but their popularity there suggests important material culture, politico-economic projects, bodily management, and the construction of subjectivity are all connected to the wearing of uniforms. This book examines what the donning of uniforms says about cultural psychology and the expression of economic nationalism in Japan. Conformity in dress is especially apparent amongst students, who are required to wear uniforms by most schools. Drawing on concrete examples, the author focuses particularly on student uniforms, which are key socializing objects in Japans politico-economic order, but also examines office ladies (secretaries), salary men (white collar workers), service personnel, and housewives, who wear a type of uniformed dress. Arguing that uniforms can be viewed as material markers of a life cycle managed by powerful politico-economic institutions, he also shows that resistance to official state projects is expressed by anti-uniforming modes of self

Genres: Japan, Sociology

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Brian J. McVeigh received his PhD in anthropology from Princeton University and his MA and MS from the University at Albany, State University of New York. A specialist in Japan and China, he lived in Asia for 17 years. The author of 16 books on topics ranging from psychology, history, nationalism, education, pop culture, anthropology, Asian studies, ancient mentalities, and psychotherapy, he is currently researching the intellectual impact of Julian Jaynes. He now works as a licensed mental health counselor.