Japanese Sociological Review
Online ISSN : 1884-2755
Print ISSN : 0021-5414
ISSN-L : 0021-5414
Articles
Gain of Social Spaces by Young People Suffering from Hikikomori (Social Withdrawal):
Diversity and Contrast of Support Spaces
Minoru KAWAKITA
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2014 Volume 65 Issue 3 Pages 426-442

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Abstract
We examine the creation of spaces that facilitate the social participation of isolated young people. Since the emergence of hikikomori (social withdrawal), support groups for young people have formed to address this issue. Previous research on support groups for people with hikikomori highlighted the development of programs intended to facilitate positive identity formation or work experience for support. However, in focusing on programs within those spaces, earlier research overlooked how young people lost and gained social space. In this study, we present data from fieldwork on support spaces for young people struggling with hikikomori. We describe the purpose of support groups in developing such spaces, and document the experiences of people who participate in them. We conclude that these support spaces facilitate the social inclusion of young people.
Support groups have developed various support spaces aimed at families, young people, and job trainees. Through separation and unification, such spaces are arranged to encourage the gradual participation of young people. Young people recognize the diversity of human relations and experiences within these spaces, and they can compare their experiences inside and outside various spaces. In doing so, they ease their feelings of self-blame, take on new social roles, learn to cope with problems, and gain self-understanding. By considering young people's experiences in support spaces, we obtained significant information on the social inclusion of people who have declined social participation.
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© 2014 The Japan Sociological Society
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