Societal Values and Nuclear Power: A Case of Conflicting Priorities

Abstract

Value structures vary from culture to culture. A particular value hierarchy has the potential to govern priorities in relation to social policies. This paper examines the influence of Japan’s social values on the development of its nuclear policy, in particular the importance of the changing relationship of physical safety to national security. In light of the historical experience of Japan with atomic weapons and the variety of accidents which have occurred in the Japanese civilian nuclear industry, one might expect that the Japanese would be firmly opposed to the use of nuclear energy. Yet, when seen in light of its value structure, the very significant use of nuclear power in Japan is a rational activity, as is the recent beginning of more widespread public opposition to the government’s long-term plan to continue to increase dependence on nuclear energy. Based on the Japanese experience, the final part of the paper then briefly explores the potential for applying this analysis to examining the currently changing attitudes in the United States in favor of a reemphasis on the further deployment of nuclear power for the production of energy. At this critical juncture in the debate about whether the U.S. should expand the use of nuclear power, an understanding of how the underlying values influence the importance given to such societal goals as the reduction of global warming or lessening of dependence on foreign oil could add a valuable perspective to the debate.