So very many teach introductions to East Asia under different
disciplines, including the Humanities, Sociology, Economics, History,
and Religious Studies, but what makes this work so promising is its
transferability across these lines of demarcation for the student
engaged in her first serious study of the region. Neuman's fine overview
addresses the recurring cultural tasks across East Asia from family, to
school and work, and socio-economic stratifications. Neuman has written
an ideal introductory text with a sociologist's clarity, a humanist's
learning, a researcher's sharp eye, and a teacher's fine sense of
proportion. This is the only intellectual guidebook you will need to
take with you for your voyage to East Asia.