Ibasho: A Relational Space among Silver Labors in Japan Urban Towns
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Abstract
This article presents the concept of Ibasho, or relational space, to understand the lifestyle, work, and social welfare of elderly workers in urban communities of Japan. Ibasho is an ideological movement about creating quasi-public spaces. This kind of area was missing during the modernization process of Japanese cities. Social and economic risks at the end of the last century primarily affected individuals who were affiliated with work organizations or families. These individuals became silver workers who continued to work even after reaching retirement age. The conditions of the pension and health insurance system that have characteristics of welfare capitalism allow the reemployment system to enhance economic and life value for oneself and society. This article indicates that the Ibasho concept exists both in Ibasho houses and in the work of silver workers. Space and time are spent by people in the community to interact independently among different individuals' respect for Ibasho. Being able to be free is also consistent with the way of thinking about providing care and lifelong work benefits in the reemployment system supported by the Japanese government. In the case of the Silver Human Resource Center, the employment term is limited in the type and scope of work according to the needs of the neighborhood. A study of silver workers in Japanese urban communities shows that ageing is related to the social system that determines lifestyles, work, and welfare, rather than age.
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