Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the bases of the denationalized counterpublic sphere by dealing with a case in which a union supports undocumented migrant workers.
After reviewing the arguments on public sphere, I consider the case of the "Zentoitsu" union that supports undocumented migrants. By using the theoretical framework of emergent coalition and counter-public sphere, I clarify the activities of the union. I will point out the two bases of the emergent coalition and the denationalized counter-public sphere.
The first base is the social sphere wherein migrant workers can realize their social rights. Usually, migrant workers approach the union to solve their labor problems. The union asks them to participate in the public spheres, for example, in meetings and demonstrations, instead of solving their problems. In other words, although public spheres are certainly based on mobilization, they are also open, because any migrant can participate in them.
The second base is the intimate sphere. Some migrant workers continue to attend the union even after their problems have been solved. They attend to develop intimate relationships with the staff or other union workers and internalize the rule as "workers." When they appear in the public sphere, they embody the ideal image of workers. This is the representative of the counter of the public sphere.
In this way, there exists an emergent coalition within Zentoitsu, while it appears as a counter-public sphere.
