Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to clarify the relation between the characteristics of traditional “Dekasegi” labour turnover and the social structure of rural community. “Dekasegi” means that farmers go out of their village to earn money in the slack season. In Sesawashinden, Fujimi Town, Nagano Prefecture, people have continued “Dekasegi” for brewing “Sake”.
The three characteristics of “Dekasegi” here are that; (1) the directors called “Toji” stay on the tops of hierarchical structure, (2) the groups based on a territorial bond, (3) the distance between Sesawashinden and the brewery is close. Therefore, in Sesawashinden case, this traditional style of labour “Dekasegi” has close relationship with the structure of the rural community, and people regard “Dekasegi” as a social norm. People know very well that “Toji” can bring much money and to become “Toji” very severe training is required. And one who gaind the position of “Toji” won an economic and social reliance, and frequently, he was elected to “Ku-cho” the chief of this village.
