The Art of the Gut bookcover

The Art of the Gut

Manhood, Power, and Ethics in Japanese Politics
Add to Wishlist
4.9/5.0
21,000+ Reviews
Bookshop.org has the highest-rated customer service of any bookstore in the world

Description

This beautifully written ethnography follows the lives of two very different Japanese men entering political life in two very different communities. One is the rural leader of a citizens' referendum movement, while the other hopes to succeed his father in a Tokyo ward assembly. Fast-paced and engrossing, The Art of the Gut puts the reader behind the scenes to hear speeches, attend campaign functions, and eavesdrop on late-night strategy sessions and one-on-one conversations. In her groundbreaking analysis, Robin M. Le Blanc explores the the two men's differing notions of what is expected of a "good" man and demonstrates how the fundamental desire to be good men constrains their political choices even as it encourages both to become ethical agents. The result is a vibrant and up-to-date picture of politics in Japan today that also addresses masculine gender expectations in a male-dominated political world, the connection between gendered identity and ethical being, and the process by which men who are neither dominant nor marginal to their communities assert themselves both with and against power.

Product Details

PublisherUniversity of California Press
Publish DateNovember 24, 2009
Pages256
LanguageEnglish
TypeBook iconPaperback / softback
EAN/UPC9780520259171
Dimensions8.8 X 5.9 X 0.6 inches | 0.8 pounds

About the Author

Robin M. Le Blanc is Professor of Politics at Washington and Lee University and is the author of Bicycle Citizens: The Political World of the Japanese Housewife (UC Press).

Reviews

"Effective. . . . LeBlanc writes in a passionate yet nuanced style."

--Joel Campbell "International Affairs" (7/1/2013 12:00:00 AM)
"[LeBlanc is] such a good writer that her prose is accessible, even entrancing, to mere mortals. . . . Her prose simply sings."-- "Japan Times" (7/2/2010 12:00:00 AM)
"An engrossing, fast-paced ethnographic study. . . . Highly recommended."-- "Choice" (7/8/2010 12:00:00 AM)
"LeBlanc is one of the most talented wordsmiths writing in English about politics, and her new book showcases her enviable skills."-- "Journal Of Japanese Stds" (8/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)
"LeBlanc presents a multitude of eye-opening stories about masculinity. . . . Certainly a welcome addition that will stimulate further investigation and dialogues."-- "Social Science Japan Journal" (7/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)
"LeBlanc's book is hugely informative and instructive and exceedingly innovative."--Gabriele Voct "Journal Of Asian Stds" (5/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)

Earn by promoting books

Earn money by sharing your favorite books through our Affiliate program.sign up to affiliate program link
Become an affiliate