Politics, Culture and Self: East Asian and North European Attitudes

edited by Geir Helgesen and Soren Risbjerg Thomsen

Globalization may be undermining Kipling’s assertion that “East is East and West is West” but arguably this is more in the realms of technological advances and consumer behaviour than (say) in political culture. In the latter arena, much is still made of the contrasts between Eastern culture (characterized by collectivism and belief in authority) and Western culture (characterized by individualism and belief in democracy). Such comfortable assumptions will be shattered for readers of Politics, Culture and Self.

This volume indeed confirms that differences between East Asia and northern Europe do exist. Provocatively, however, it also points to major similarities (e.g. regarding social harmony and the role of the family in society) as well as significant contrasts mirrored within the two regions (e.g. concerning interpersonal and institutional trust). These results are of especial interest because of the care taken to reduce “cultural contamination”. The data is derived from extensive and in-depth surveys conducted by a crosscultural research team in East Asia and northern Europe. Here, methodological techniques were used to control for non-cultural differences as well as cultural variation in how people respond to questionnaires. This survey data is augmented by a wealth of historical and analytical contexts that will make the book an essential item in the library of anyone concerned with issues relating to political behaviour at all levels.

"A fascinating attempt to peel away the preconceived opinions and characteristics we confer upon our counterparts and instead paint a more realistic picture of the similarities and differences that exist in Northern Europe and Asia today." - Signe Bruun-Jensen, EurAsia Bulletin, Vol. 10, No. 7-8, July-August 2006

Previously director of the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, Geir Helgesen has long been engaged in the politics and culture of both Koreas.

Publication year: 2005
296 pp / 229mm x 152mm
40 tables, 16 figures
ISBN: 978-87-91114-99-1, Paperback

NIAS Press