Social Norms Reflected in Japanese Kenashi (Blaming)

Abstract

Aims and Study Design: The study aims to contribute to the construction of a society which accepts diversity. In an attempt to clarify “social norms,” this study specifies factors which influence the tendency to use kenashi (blaming). This study employed survey design where undergraduate students were asked to complete a 20-item questionnaire consisting of kenashi made to close friends. Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted at universities in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. The duration of the survey period was from January to May 2012. Methodology: The effective sample of this research is 190: 103 males and 87 females. The data were examined by explanatory factor analysis, and its construct validity was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Results and Conclusion: Three factors, named "uniqueness and environment of evaluatee from an external cause," "lack of sense,” and “lack of social accommodation,” were extracted through EFA, and verified as having acceptable construct validity through CFA. The author discusses the "lack of social accommodation" as being seen as a deviation from the norm. This factor had the highest mean among three factors, and its validity is also indicated by previous studies. It is also discussed that faults resulting from irresistible force or lack of sense are not likely to invoke kenashi.