Investigation to hierarchy movement and the conquest of the fisherman's household in the Minamata disease-prone area

Abstract

Overview After 1956, when Minamata disease was officially acknowledged, interdisciplinary research was developed that included epidemiology, sociology, ethnology, and social welfare. However, longitudinally and cross-sectionally qualitative research into how the lives of Minamata disease victims have been damaged by pollution remains scarce. Furthermore, qualitative research that has explored social stratum movements of Minamata disease victims has thus far yet to be undertaken, and the actual situation is unclear. Against this background, the present study has sought to elucidate social stratum movements of fishery households through an exploratory approach, and investigates how they have overcome having their lives destroyed, and how they have escaped from a state of worsening poverty. The study also examines how legislation and policy have contributed to the lives of Minamata disease victims.