爱豆传媒

Positionality is a perspective that captures the inequalities and discrimination arising from group affiliations and the facets that emerge between individuals. In other words, it is a concept that analyzes the political position individuals occupy by belonging to a group, as well as the interests that arise among individuals belonging to specific groups. This text is the first to analyze these dynamics in specific cases in the context of modern Japan from the perspective of positionality. It includes quantitative research on topics such as the relationship between Okinawa and Japan, gender and sexual differences, and multicultural socialization and aims to present shared understandings and conditions for collaboration in efforts to change these circumstances.
 
Although the term “positionality” has been in use in Japanese society for over two years, it is still developing as an academic concept. In recent years, however, it has gained attention, with an apparent movement attempting to understand various phenomena from the perspective of positionality. It has been actively discussed in areas such as gender studies and Okinawa–Japan relations. As presented in this book, positionality serves as a concept for discovering problems, but it acts more effectively as a framework for redefining and reinterpreting existing issues rather than discovering unknown ones. Conducting research in various areas and simultaneously reconstructing it through the experiences of many people can illuminate the conditions necessary for societal change. This approach also enables individuals with different positionalities to go beyond their differences to form a common agreement and establish a foundation for cooperation towards changing the status quo and dissolving political power. The aim is to use positionality to examine various issues in modern Japanese society, such as Okinawa and Japan relations, gender and sex differences, multicultural socialization, and so on to help develop an understanding of these issues.
 
Following the introduction, this book is divided into five parts. Parts 1 and 5 consist of a general discussion on positionality, and Parts 2 through 4 include discussions on individual areas. This is also related to the fact that discussions on positionality in Japan have primarily focused on the relationship between Okinawa and Japan (Part 2) and the field of gender (Part 4). Part 3 explores areas where various positionality-related issues are expected to arise in the future. Furthermore, the three appendices in Chapters 5, 6, and 9 present some of the results of the quantitative survey conducted in 2019.
 
Part 4 on gender includes a chapter, Chapter 8, titled " Domestic Violence and Positionality- Focusing on the Relationship between Support Staff and Domestic Violence Victims." This chapter focuses on the relationship between the targets of domestic violence victims and support staff, looking at the asymmetry in the possibility of separation between the two groups. Specifically, the targets are placed in a position where it is difficult to withdraw, while supporters are in a position where withdrawal is possible. Positionality arises when both parties are connected to the group, but position-related issues can arise even when supporters can easily withdraw. Such relationships are common in society. Analyzing the power dynamics in relationships between domestic violence victims and support staff through the lens of positionality offers a more generalized discussion of the problem.
 
Disconnections and disagreements often arise between people trying to address inequalities. Understanding and considering positionality can help prevent serious conflicts. In addition, sharing a common understanding of the differences in mutual positionalities, along with a determination to change them, is crucial. The hope is that this book will provide an opportunity for reflection on the issues surrounding positionality.
 

(Written by OGAWA Mariko, Project Associate Professor, Center for Coproduction of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity / 2025)