<p> This dissertation presents the details of a study that explored the experiences of <i>roninsei</i>—Japanese students who are preparing to re-attempt the university entrance examination. Though an influential population later in life, its defining educational experience has rarely been researched. The questions this study sought to answer were akin to ‘what themes characterize the <i>roninsei</i> experience,’ ‘how is that experience understood as having changed those who undergo it,’ and ‘how do intervening time and space affect the way former <i> roninsei</i> understand their experiences.’ </p><p> To address these questions, the study employed a mixture of methods and sources, triangulating its findings with a combination of literature review findings, phenomenological interviews with former <i>roninsei</i>, and thematically-focused content analysis of social networking service-sourced data composed by current <i>roninsei</i>. It employed a hermeneutic approach to all the data it collected. </p><p> The study found that the <i>roninsei</i> experience produces several maturational outcomes and that, while it is characterized by hardship, it comes to be highly valued by those who have undergone it. </p><p> This study contributes to the understanding of this under-researched, yet consequential population. Its findings implicate both strengths and weaknesses of the current system and, in so doing, have the capacity to influence how the current wave of educational reforms is understood and implemented.</p><p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10977860 |
| Date | 08 March 2019 |
| Creators | Roth, Ian Matthew |
| Publisher | Saybrook University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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