Hikokomori - a Sociological Breakthrough
Cristian-Marian Necula Professor Mahmut Terci Lit. Club 18 October 2012
HIKOKOMORI – RESEARCH PAPER
Hikikomori, which roughly translates to "pulling inward, being confined" is a Japanese term referring to a social paradigm similar to that of extreme anxiety and reclusiveness. It was introduced to the public in the 90's, and is currently an ongoing social issue in Japan and not only.
Statistics evince that about 1 million individuals in Nippon live as "hikkokomori", most of them being at about the age of 18 to 31 and of the male gender. Some of them allegedly spend many years completely secluded in their bedrooms.
There are countless factors which may have influenced teenagers and young adults alike to fall into the sedentary lifestyle. It is presumed that technology lies within the very core of this gargantuan social dissonance, since the hikkokomori admit to the fact that games and movies provide much better entertaintment value than the real, mundane world. They also claim that they can't conform to society due to many personality disorders, such as social phobia, neurosis and even forms of minor autism.
Another reason as to why these individuals choose to "hide in their shells" could be that they lack ambition. Japan's education system is excessively rigorous and demanding. Not only do students have to spend four extra hours after school in order to fully canvass and study the respective academic material, but they also must take mandatory exams during their weekends and even leisure time.
In regards to school, the problem might not be directly linked to a Japanese student's duties, rather a hefty quantum of bullying. At first, the pupil might want to fit in and socialise, but is immediately ostracised by a fellow classmate and furthermore humiliated and pushed aside. This creates social tension and disparages the victim's confidence, which in turn leads to them becoming a hikokomori.
Hence, social traumas trigger
HIKOKOMORI – RESEARCH PAPER
Hikikomori, which roughly translates to "pulling inward, being confined" is a Japanese term referring to a social paradigm similar to that of extreme anxiety and reclusiveness. It was introduced to the public in the 90's, and is currently an ongoing social issue in Japan and not only.
Statistics evince that about 1 million individuals in Nippon live as "hikkokomori", most of them being at about the age of 18 to 31 and of the male gender. Some of them allegedly spend many years completely secluded in their bedrooms.
There are countless factors which may have influenced teenagers and young adults alike to fall into the sedentary lifestyle. It is presumed that technology lies within the very core of this gargantuan social dissonance, since the hikkokomori admit to the fact that games and movies provide much better entertaintment value than the real, mundane world. They also claim that they can't conform to society due to many personality disorders, such as social phobia, neurosis and even forms of minor autism.
Another reason as to why these individuals choose to "hide in their shells" could be that they lack ambition. Japan's education system is excessively rigorous and demanding. Not only do students have to spend four extra hours after school in order to fully canvass and study the respective academic material, but they also must take mandatory exams during their weekends and even leisure time.
In regards to school, the problem might not be directly linked to a Japanese student's duties, rather a hefty quantum of bullying. At first, the pupil might want to fit in and socialise, but is immediately ostracised by a fellow classmate and furthermore humiliated and pushed aside. This creates social tension and disparages the victim's confidence, which in turn leads to them becoming a hikokomori.
Hence, social traumas trigger