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: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Hikikomori, a term that translates to "withdrawal," has emerged as a significant form of social isolation in Japanese society, garnering global attention for over two decades. In his book, Teppei Sekimizu delves into the sociological aspects of hikikomori, exploring the experiences of individuals who have experienced it. He also examines the characteristics of hikikomori discourse over four decades, the challenges faced by parents with hikikomori children, and the impact of social policies that have shifted the provision of welfare to the private sector. Through these examinations, Sekimizu highlights the exclusive labor market and familial social policies that have created a society characterized by family-dependent and isolated individuals in contemporary Japan. A Sociology of Hikikomori offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the hikikomori phenomenon and Japanese society, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by individuals and communities.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666900965