Risk Society and Education in Post-Disaster Fukushima

This book explores how the concept of a risk society was handled in education programs implemented in post-disaster Fukushima, highlighting contested emotions and the impact of past and present on students' vision of their future community and actions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the wake of the devastating explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in March 2011, this book delves into the intricate examination of how the concept of a risk society was approached within the various education programs implemented in the post-disaster Fukushima region. The explosion, accompanied by the widespread radiation contamination that profoundly impacted the biosphere of the Fukushima region and beyond, served as a stark reminder that we inhabit a society characterized by inherent risks. However, despite this unsettling revelation, official discourses in Fukushima have primarily focused on the future, driven by the urgent objective of restoring communities and resuming development projects.

Drawing upon extensive ethnographic data collected by the author between 2013 and 2016 in Fukushima, a range of contested emotions emerged within these education spaces. Students and teachers, grappling with the complexities of their romanticized and challenging past, found themselves navigating the challenges posed by the risk society in their present lives. The emotionally charged interactions between past and present not only shaped their recollections but also influenced their vision for their future community and the actions they might take. The dialogues and actions that unfolded within these education environments invite readers to critically examine the meaning of development and challenge the fundamental assumptions and methodologies of education as society transitions into a risk society.

This book holds immense value for scholars and students engaged in the fields of globalization, education, curriculum studies, sociology of education, and Japanese studies. It provides a rich and insightful perspective on the complex dynamics of education in a risk-laden world, offering valuable insights and perspectives that will contribute to ongoing discussions and research in these domains.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367546717