Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Paul A. Christensen, “Japan, Alcoholism, and Masculinity: Suffering Sobriety in Tokyo” (Lexington Books, 2014)
Paul A. Christensen, “Japan, Alcoholism, and Masculinity: Suffering Sobriety in Tokyo” (Lexington Books, 2014)
Paul A. Christensen, “Japan, Alcoholism, and Masculinity: Suffering Sobriety in Tokyo” (Lexington Books, 2014)
Wednesday 19th August 2015
Dive into Tokyo's unique struggles with alcoholism, masculinity, and recovery in this enlightening episode featuring Paul A. Christensen.
67 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Authentic
About this podcast
Author:
Marshall Poe
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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Episodes:
245 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Tokyo's Sobriety Struggle: Alcoholism and Masculinity Unveiled
We need more people considering what it means to be normal, and how does this vary and what are the consequences behind it? Specifically, this is about what it is in Japan, in Tokyo in particular, to be a normal man.
Picture the bustling streets of Tokyo, where the culture of drinking is deeply ingrained. In this episode, host Marshall Poe sits down with Paul A. Christensen to discuss his book 'Japan, Alcoholism, and Masculinity: Suffering Sobriety in Tokyo'. The conversation dives into the intricate relationship between alcohol, masculinity, and recovery in modern Japan. Christensen's ethnographic study sheds light on how male alcoholics navigate societal expectations and the profound personal consequences they face.
The episode starts with a historical overview of alcohol use in Japan and its portrayal in mass media as a symbol of fun and leisure. This cultural framing creates unique challenges for men admitting to and living with alcoholism. Christensen also delves into the evolution of addiction treatment in Japan, highlighting the influence of Japanese physicians and the impact of imported methodologies from the US.
You'll hear about the major support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Danshukai, and the specific cultural nuances that shape their approach. The discussion touches on the role of spirituality in recovery, the narrow paths often prescribed, and the emerging recognition of depression in Japanese society. By the end, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the complex landscape of alcoholism and recovery in Tokyo, and how it intertwines with notions of masculinity.