2019 Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 72-84
The first purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how socially troubled persons who gather in social ibasho （a place where one feels at home） become able to generate both dignity among individuals and a willingness to participate in society ; the second purpose is to demonstrate that people providing support to troubled persons can also （re） enter society through ibasho. In summary, various surveys and research projects demonstrate the importance of ibasho. In order to arrive at this conclusion, I have analyzed the results of participation observation research and interviews conducted at X workplace and γ cafe, along with extensively reviewing the relevant academic literature.
In conclusion, I present two main findings. An ibasho is a social place where people who have social problems can have equal relationships and learn the social roles that they should play. That is, they create relationships that are mutually recognized through circulating care, marking the first step towards self-realization. Another finding was that the supporters involved in these social places and the residents living nearby were empowered along with the creation of equal relationships, bringing about equal respect and a circulation of care.
Annals of the Society for the Study of Social Policy
