Abstract
In 2008, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted a survey on the living condition of
persons with mental disorders. This survey revealed some interesting results. Over 40% of persons with
mental disorders gave up seeking employment. Almost all of them had undergone training processes
to find employment (for example, social skill training, welfare to work program, etc.). In this paper,
these training programs are termed "the working," and this is the focus of this paper. "The working"
represents important training activities for persons with mental disorders.
The purpose of this study is to explore what "the working" is and what the actual conditions of "the
working" are.
In this study, data is collected through participant observation. Conversation analysis is conducted
for certain persons with mental disorders who utilize a local activity support center in Kansai area.
Persons with mental disorders have their own peculiar problems. They fear stress because it
makes them unstable. Tbus, they look for ways to avoid stress in order to prevent their condition from
worsening. However, ordinary people do not necessarily understand the methods chosen by those with
mental disorders. Further, considering that "the working" involves interacting with other persons, there
are many difficulties in communication.
From the conversation analysis and participant observation, I obtained the following conclusions.
I.Persons with mental disorders employ tactics and strategies in order to avoid worsening their
condition.
2.They have their own "form" of behavior in ""the working."
3.They have a different Vergesellschaftung process from ordinary people.
4.Their Vergesellschaftung process must be reconsidered.
