We examine the relational model of inequality using samples of employer-employee matched data from manufacturing plants in the United States and Japan. We argue that gender is a salient status characteristic in both the United States and Japan, but because of differences in gender politics, wage inequality will vary more across U.S. workplaces…

Looks at the simultaneous labor force participation and hours of work decisions for Japanese wives, both employees and family workers. Although the estimated aggregate wage and income fluctuations for employees are somewhat higher than previous estimates for the United States, they are of the same order of magnitude. (JOW)

This article empirically examines the spread of higher education in Japan and the resulting changes in labor quality in the last two decades. This study uses the Divisia index numbers to measure the labor quality and quality-adjusted labor supply. It points out that quality might have declined rapidly in the recent past among higher educated…

Considers the variation in wage differentials by educational attainment level in Japan. Although Japanese wage structure is moving in a comparatively steady manner, the wage differential between college and junior college graduates among male workers has become wider since 1976. This phenomenon is explained mainly by changes in labor supply. (MLH)

Questions Japan's ability to maintain its economic success without substantially changing its approach to education. Discusses international responses to the nation's level of exports, the maturing and stabilization of its economy, and the rapid aging of its population and work force as trends that may require significant change. (BC)

In this article the reflections of the teachers and directors of Komatsudani Hoikuen ("day-care center") on a video the authors recently made at their preschool are used to explore processes of continuity and change in Japanese preschool education over the course of a generation. The social changes that are associated with changing…