Odd Markets in Japanese History: Law and Economic Growth

by J. Mark Ramseyer

Overview

Employing a rational-choice approach, Professor Ramseyer studies the impact of Japanese law on economic growth in Japan. Toward that end, the author investigates the way law governed various markets, and the way that people negotiated contracts within those markets. Findings reveal that the legal system generally promoted mutually advantageous deals, and that people generally negotiated in ways that shrewdly promoted their private best interests. Whether in the markets for indentured servants, prostitutes, or marriage partners, this study reports little evidence of either age- or gender-related exploitation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521563864
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/28/1996
Series:	Political Economy of Institutions and Decisions
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

Table of Contents

List of tables; Series editor's preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Law and economic growth; 2. Property: water and land; 3. Externalities: smoke and noise; 4. Markets: children; 5. Autonomy: family law; 6. Promissory credibility: sex; 7. Cartels: cotton spinning; 8. Conclusions; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This is a provocative and original book, one well worth reading and thinking about." Pacific Affairs

"J. Mark Ramseyer's Odd Markets in Japanese History is a stimulating, infuriating, and truculent series of essays..." David L. Howell, Monumenta Nipponica

"This is a provocative and original book, one well worth reading and thinking about." Stephan Salzberg, Pacific Affairs

"Viola's book opens a fascinating window on the peasant world....Viola forces us to ask new and different questions about collectivization. Her book will be a starting point for all serious thought on the subject." Book Reviews

From the Publisher