Itaiismu

Itaiismu is a Japanese term that translates to "pain culture" or "pain society." It refers to the collective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding pain and illness in Japanese society. The concept was popularized by the Japanese sociologist Shigeo Koyama in the 1970s. Itaiismu is characterized by a tendency to avoid seeking medical help, even for serious conditions, due to a combination of factors including cultural norms, economic constraints, and a fear of being labeled as weak or dependent. This cultural phenomenon has been a subject of study in medical anthropology and sociology, as it highlights the complex interplay between individual health behaviors and societal influences. Itaiismu is not a medical condition but rather a sociological observation about how cultural and social factors can impact health-seeking behaviors. It is important to note that while Itaiismu is a significant aspect of Japanese culture, it is not universal and varies among different regions and demographic groups within Japan.