Actual States and Problems of Community Formation in Hachirogata Reclaimed Land

— Analyzing personal networks of farmers and non-farmers —

Abstract

In Hachirogata Reclaimed Land, the community is becoming a mixture of farmers and non-farmers. We investigated the histories of the residents and opportunities of forming relationships. Based on the results of an oral survey of residents and social network analysis, we revealed characteristics of their personal networks. The main findings were as follows: 1) opportunities of formation of relationships were classified as “work”, “children”, “theme-based organization”, “community-based organization” and “same class”. 2) A farmer-based community is sustained. On the other hand, there is insufficient formation of relationships between farmers and non-farmers. 3) The differences in dwelling place and lifestyle between farmers and non-farmers impede relationships between them. 4) The formation of relationships through children and theme-based organizations contributes to improvement of the relationship between farmers and non-farmers.