Taking in to mind what was said in the crit I decided to further my research into and visual exploration of commuting within modern societies. When I revisited this topic I became fascinated with the culture of sleeping during commutes in Japan. Although you may see some people asleep on trains or buses in England it is not very common given that most people would be far too fearful, both of those around them and missing their stop. Whereas in Japan it widespread and not uncommon to see whole train cars of sleeping passengers.
After looking online more thoroughly I discovered a few reasons, all of which link back to ideas of social compliance and conformity, for why this is such a common place thing in Japan.
Firstly crime rates are extremely low in Japan, therefore there isn't the same sense of fear that one might feel when sleeping on a train in England. This relates back to ideas of compliance as it implies that the law is taken much more seriously by more or less all members of society.
Second is the fact that many, particularly within Tokyo, commute and work very long hours and subsequently are so tired that it only makes sense they fall asleep. Therefore this shows how far people are willing to go, in this case the point of losing sleep or time at home, in order to conform to the notion of stable job and active place within society.
However I have also seen it suggested that, with the above point in mind, it is not just something practical in terms of gaining lost sleep but now something of a social convention in that if you are not seen to fall alseep during your commute you won't be considered as hard working or dedicated as other members of society. This final point more than any links back to the notion of conformity and compliance given that it makes individuals act in a irrational manner due to social pressures and expectations.
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