The Independence of “seikatsu-kôzô” (styles of life) and the significance of local areas

Abstract

Studies of “seikatsu-kozo” in Japan have been emphasizing the significance of people's social life which is not totally dependent upon economic factors. In this field of study, however, there have not been sufficient discussions concerning an important question : what are the sociological bases to maintain the independence of social life? My purpose here is to give an answer to the question, based on a case study conducted in a consumer city of a traditional type. The data shows that the styles of residents' life are affected by the cultural system and the social organizations, which have been produced under the influence of the unique historical processes in the city. In this sense, we can understand the independence of “seikatsu-kozo” only when we adopt a historical approach. The historical uniqueness of each local area is reproduced by the developement of the city itself, and is significant because it provides the diversity in styles of life which helps people create a new life-style against an industralist one.