APCD Journal, Vol 1, No 1, Article 3

Title
How Culture is Incorporated into Individual Life Themes: An Assessment of Cultural Influence as Revealed in Constructive Career Interviews in Japan
Author(s)
  • Shujiro Mizunoa, Faculty of Psychology, Rissho University, Tokyo, Japan
  • Nobuko Hasegawab, President, C-mind Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
Publication NameAsia Pacific Career Development Journal, Vol 1, No 1
Publication DateSeptember, 2018
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Abstract

This aimed to explore Japanese specific cultural themes in participants’ career construction narratives. The researchers conducted Career Construction Interviews with six career consultants in Japan. Five themes were identified through their stories: conformity to norms, awareness of one’s role, expressed emotions, family relationships, and selfhood. It was found that participants were too well adapted to the Japanese social system and that reframing the meaning of ‘adjustment’ is needed – rather than taking on new methods to change behaviors.