Economic growth

Definition

Economic growth refers to the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, typically measured as the percentage increase in real GDP. This growth can have profound effects on a nation's social and cultural fabric, influencing literature, philosophy, and individual experiences during significant historical transitions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. After World War II, Japan experienced unprecedented economic growth known as the 'Japanese Economic Miracle,' which transformed it into one of the world's leading economies.
2. This economic boom led to a new middle class in Japan, which influenced consumer culture and lifestyle changes reflected in literature and art during the postwar era.
3. Writers like Yukio Mishima and Kenzaburō Ōe responded to the themes of rapid modernization, materialism, and existential crises brought about by economic growth in their works.
4. Economic growth during this time also raised questions about identity, tradition, and the impact of Western influence on Japanese society.
5. The tension between traditional values and modern consumerism became a central theme in postwar Japanese literature, reflecting broader societal anxieties regarding the cost of progress.

Review Questions

• How did postwar economic growth in Japan shape the themes present in the literature of that time?
  • Postwar economic growth in Japan led to significant social changes that deeply influenced literary themes. Authors like Yukio Mishima and Kenzaburō Ōe explored issues related to materialism, identity, and existential angst as individuals grappled with rapid modernization. The contrasts between traditional Japanese values and Western influences provided rich material for these writers, who expressed concerns about the implications of economic prosperity on personal and national identity.
• Discuss the relationship between economic growth and consumerism as depicted in postwar Japanese literature.
  • Postwar Japanese literature often critiques the rise of consumerism that accompanied economic growth. As the economy expanded, individuals began prioritizing material wealth over traditional values. This shift is evident in the works of authors like Mishima, who highlighted the emptiness of a life focused solely on consumption. The literary responses often reflect a nostalgia for a more meaningful existence that feels threatened by rapid modernization and capitalist ideals.
• Evaluate how the themes of existential crisis present in Kenzaburō Ōe's work relate to Japan's economic growth and its societal impacts.
  • Kenzaburō Ōe’s exploration of existential crisis reflects deep concerns about identity amid Japan’s economic growth. His characters often struggle with alienation and disconnection from traditional values as they navigate a rapidly changing society driven by materialism. This existential lens allows readers to understand not only individual suffering but also broader cultural dislocation caused by modernization. By addressing these issues, Ōe invites critical reflection on what it means to thrive economically while risking spiritual and cultural impoverishment.

Related terms

GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period, used as a key indicator of economic health.

Postwar Economic Miracle: The period of rapid economic growth in Japan following World War II, characterized by industrial expansion and technological advancement.

Consumerism: The cultural and economic orientation that encourages the acquisition of goods and services, often driving demand and influencing societal values.