Meaning of Waste and Stuff

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Other Title
  • 「ごみ屋敷」を通してみるごみとモノの意味
  • 「ごみ屋敷」を通してみるごみとモノの意味 : 当事者Aさんの事例から
  • 「 ゴミ ヤシキ 」 オ トオシテ ミル ゴミ ト モノ ノ イミ : トウジシャ Aサン ノ ジレイ カラ
  • ――Case Study of One Hoarder――
  • ――当事者Ａさんの事例から――

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Abstract

<p>This study aims to reveal the meaning of stuff that is hoarded continuously and to reconsider the meaning of waste and stuff for human beings. Until now, hoarders were considered to be socially isolated or disconnected. This study, however, presents the case of Ms. A, who has an established social life while remaining in a house full of hoarded stuff. Although she is a hoarder, she goes to a supermarket every day and interacts with others. The analysis is based on the theory of “stuff and memory” by Maurice Halbwachs. The data was collected through an in-depth interview with one hoarder and fieldwork conducted during and after cleaning her house. The findings revealed two features of hoarders. First, I showed the identity constructed by the hoarded stuff. Ms. A acknowledged that communicating well with others was “her ideal self.” The stuff hoarded in her house was proof that “her ideal self” was achieved. Accordingly, this study showed that Ms. A hoarded stuff because she wanted to keep memories that projected “her ideal self.” Moreover, this study demonstrated that hoarded stuff in the hoarder’s house had “sentimental value.” Second, I showed the identity constructed by disposing stuff. Ms. A could realize that some stuff was a waste and could dispose of it once she resolved her dilemma and obtained new proof of “her ideal self,” demonstrating the aspect of “necessary waste.” This study proved that beyond its social aspect, hoarding is a social phenomenon, concerning the relationship between human beings and waste or stuff.</p>

Journal

  • SOSHIOROJI

    SOSHIOROJI 62 (1), 23-40, 2017-06-01

    SHAKAIGAKU KENKYUKAI

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