Previous research has shown that children are able to express their knowledge of social norms and cultural values during interactions with peers. The goal of this study was to systematically examine this process among five- and seven-year-old Japanese children and to clarify aspects of their socialization through their knowledge of those values, social conventions, and cultural traits that define Japanese society.

The major findings of this study indicate that the subjects possessed surprisingly sophisticated interactional abilities that are reflective of many aspects of the Japanese value system as well as of certain social customs and behavioral conventions. In particular, it was found that concepts of empathy (omoiyari), “parent-child” (oya-ko) stratification, and helpfulness were strongly apparent in the speech and behavior of both five- and seven-year-olds. High levels of coordinated action and cooperation in play were also much in evidence, demonstrating the need for “belongingness” via a clear preference for group and parallel play activities, while the capacity for individual self-regulation – reflective of Japanese kindergarten training toward personal responsibility – was also highly salient in a number of activities.

JAPANESE SOCIAL VALUES AND THEIR RELATION TO INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOR

Children's use of social norms may reflect their internalization of the values of a particular culture as they are manifested in preferred behavior patterns or the verbal expression of concepts.