Japan as a Low-Crime Nation

DAG LEONARDSEN is Professor of Sociology in the Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Lillehammer University College, Norway. He is the author of numerous articles in Norwegian and has contributed to the New Zealand and Australian Journal of Criminology. His main areas of research are within welfare sociology, political analysis and social impact assessment.

• List of Tables Preface PART ONE: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL CLARIFICATIONS The Western Welfare Paradox. Or: Why is Japan an Interesting Case? Is Japan Really a Low Crime Nation? Why Has Modernisation in the West Been Synonymous to Increased Crime? Is Rapid Social Change Synonymous to Loss of Moral Sentiments and Loss of Community? PART TWO: JAPAN AS A LOW-CRIME NATION A Cultural, Sociological and Criminological Description of Japanese Society Look to Japan?

"...provides a compelling insight into understanding differences between the United States and Japanese criminal justice systems" - Canadian Criminal Justice Association