抄録
Work is an important activity in which people participate to make a living. For a long time, researchers have explored the environmental and personal factors related to human motivation and adaptation to work, and discussed how to support individuals in their occupation or workplace. In present Japan, many problems are arising in work;for example, increase of “hikikomori” and increased frequency of job change. Therefore, in the present situation, we also need to identify how an individual reacts to the responsibilities and difficulties of work, and their experiences of working. This research aims to examine these aspects through the study of craftwork. We investigated the professional life and psychological conflicts of craftsmen of traditional Japanese crafts “Odawarasikki” and “Kamakurabori.” The primary method of investigation was interviews with experienced craftsmen and sellers. The first, the participants tended to focus on various social constraints, such as careful evaluation of the product and economic uneasiness. Some participants also reported subjective happiness when they were able to share their products with customers. Moreover, it was suggested that this subjective happiness is linked to their ongoing commitment to their work. This paper discusses the types of connections between the individual and the activity system that support their commitment to work and provide happiness at work.
