解題：流動化する社会における生活困難と地域社会

抄録

　The research committee for this term (2022–2023) continued to adopt J. Urry’s mobility theory from the last term as a theoretical viewpoint in our research activities. We considered the following three perspectives of the mobility theory: fluidity, complexity, and territory. Although the main focus in the last term was on geographical mobility, we aimed to address social mobility, including its difficulties. In this manner, we sought to examine the unstable relationship between the “fluidity” of individuals and the solid structures of the local government and local groups.

　Therefore, at this symposium, we explored the topic of “persons facing new challenges in living” (Miyamoto 2021), whose number has rapidly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, to investigate and clarify the type of relationships, organizations, and systems that were newly generated or the need for the social inclusion of “persons facing new challenges in living,” the aspect of “complexity” was included. Finally, we considered the relationship between activities for the social inclusion of “persons facing new challenges in living” and local “territory,” specifically the local government and local groups.

　The panelists at this symposium were as follows. The first member was Taro Miyamoto (nonmember). He introduced the concept of “persons facing new challenges in living,” explained the social structure surrounding them, and offered insight into ways to include them within the community or society, mainly based on social policy. The second was Kei Shindo (member). He discussed the findings of his empirical research on children and their families living in a local city in Japan with roots in foreign countries. The third panelist was Akira Imai (member), whose research interests include local autonomy and policies of the local government. The actual condition and issues regarding the support provided by local governments to individuals in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly “secondary safety net,” were presented in detail through his report.