Institute for the Study of Humanities & Social Sciences,
Doshisha University
21st Period 17 Research (2022-24)
(Representative: Liulan Wang-Kanda)
Kae Ishii
Discipline Sociology, Social history
Study Area Germany, Japan
Research Themes
In this research group, we will analyze and discuss the process of how students' and my own perception of "boundaries" changed or did not change through participant observation while managing the Practical Studies 5 in Global Regional Culture at Doshisha University's Faculty of Global and Regional Studies, which was launched in 2022 (involving interaction with Muslim women residing in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, through "Simple Japanese" and creating recipes). Through participant observation, I will analyze and discuss the process of how my students' and my own perceptions of "boundaries" changed or did not change.
A word about borders (boundary)
Borders, large and small, exist in our everyday lives. Borders, as well as gender, social class, and ethnicity, sometimes serve as indicators of differentiation by distinguishing or dividing people. Differentiations are often assigned for convenience, and not only do some people fail to perceive any issues with it, but they even praise it as a "distinctive feature." However, when it takes on a political dimension, it can lead to division and become a target for various manipulations, as is evident when reflecting on modern and contemporary German history. Against this background, I myself have always tried to be cautious when borders are emphasized, both in contemporary society and in history, consciously seeking to explore their purpose and processes.