Concept in Definition ABC

In the context of Japanese culture in recent years, a new social phenomenon has appeared: people who voluntarily decide to isolate themselves from the whole of society and seclude themselves within the walls of their home or in his own room. Who takes this decision It is called hikikomori, which in Japanese means isolation or seclusion.

Although the origin of this phenomenon is in the Japanese country, there are cases in the rest of the planet.

A general profile

It is a trend that normally affects young people who do not have siblings and is more common in men than in women. The hikikomori does not have any social activities related to study, work or entertainment Social. On many occasions, minimal contact with the most direct family environment is maintained.

The life of these people is basically carried out in a room and in it they usually watch television, play video games or establish some contact with others through some forum from Internet (It is common for them to have contact with other hikikomoris).

An individual is considered to have this syndrome when confined in a room for a minimum of six months. According to studies carried out, the average isolation time is three years.

As a general guideline, these people belong to wealthy families and, in the case of Japan, it is common for them to mothers of hikikomori do not work outside the home (in Japanese culture the mother figure plays a very singular, since many young people are emotionally dependent on their mothers).

There is no single cause to explain extreme seclusion

Its origin may be related to some personal disappointment, fear of people, maternal hyperprotection, school failure or a psychological disorder. On the other hand, in the case of Japan, it must be taken into account that some parents educate their children in a very strict way and this circumstance can cause a rejection that leads to seclusion.

Some studies of the phenomenon consider that the voluntary isolation of young people has a direct relationship with the fear they experience in the face of the demands of the world labor.

This syndrome has different degrees. There are hikikomoris who maintain a certain social contact, while others carry isolation to extreme positions.

Other forms of social isolation

In the ancient world Christian anchorites withdrew from society temporarily or permanently in order to achieve a state of fullness spiritual and a greater connection with God. Hermits and religious living under the cloistered regime also have a secluded life. Those who suffer from anthropophobia or social phobia also avoid contact with others.

Photos: Fotolia - Stnazkul / Piotr Marcinski