A Sociology of Hikikomori: Experiences of Isolation, Family-Dependency, and Social Policy in Contemporary Japan

Hikikomori is a form of social isolation in Japan that has been gaining attention worldwide for two decades. Teppei Sekimizu explores the experience of hikikomori from a sociological perspective, examining the characteristics of hikikomori discourse, the difficulties faced by parents with hikikomori children, and the social policy that has relegated welfare provision to the private sector. The book illustrates how the exclusive labor market and familial social policies create masses of family-dependent and isolated individuals in contemporary Japan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Hikikomori, a term that translates to "withdrawal," has gained increasing recognition as a prevalent form of social isolation in Japanese society over the past two decades. In his book, "A Sociology of Hikikomori," Teppei Sekimizu delves into the sociological aspects of hikikomori, exploring the experiences of individuals who have experienced it and examining the characteristics of hikikomori discourse over four decades. The author also highlights the challenges faced by parents with hikikomori children and the role of social policy in relegating welfare provision to the private sector. Through these examinations, Sekimizu illustrates how the exclusive labor market and familial social policies in contemporary Japan have created a significant number of family-dependent and isolated individuals. This book offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the hikikomori phenomenon and Japanese society as a whole.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666900941