Abstract
This study examined mothers' participation in childcare groups, focusing on their ibasho (existential place) and level of group participation, in order to understand mothers' experiences and discuss childcare support. Eleven mothers were interviewed about their group experiences. Data analysis using the modified grounded theory approach revealed six stages of participation: (1) “encountering the childcare group,” (2) “interacting as a simple participant,” (3) “achieving ibasho,” (4) “participating in group operations,” (5) “running the group,” and (6) “developing childcare support.” Mothers who were distressed while nurturing children were able to achieve ibasho when supported by other mothers. Further, mothers' positions shifted from that of support recipients to support providers when they participated in the operations of the childcare group. These findings suggest that a mother undergoes two learning processes—as both a child nurturer and a childcare supporter—and that her ibasho is the place where she accomplishes her roles and feels fulfillment, in addition to returning to her original self.
