The effects of perceived stigma and neighborhood storytelling networks on future outlook: mixed-method research in Fukushima, Japan

The residents of Shinchimachi, Fukushima Prefecture, face ongoing struggles in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. In addition to physical damage and health risks, residents contend with the socio-psychological difficulties of facing stigma. This research used interview and survey...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Applied Communication Research 2021-03, Vol.49 (2), p.168-186
Main Authors: Jung, Joo-Young, Kwesell, Allison
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
communication infrastructure theory
community organization
disaster
Earthquake damage
Fukushima
Mixed methods research
Neighborhoods
Stigma
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Summary:The residents of Shinchimachi, Fukushima Prefecture, face ongoing struggles in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. In addition to physical damage and health risks, residents contend with the socio-psychological difficulties of facing stigma. This research used interview and survey methods to unearth nuanced perceptions of stigma and to test the effects of the perceived stigma and neighborhood connectedness on future outlook. Interviews revealed that residents perceive stigma from mainstream media and people from other prefectures. Based on communication infrastructure theory (CIT), the survey found that a perceived stigma has a negative effect on future outlook, but that for residents who are connected to neighborhood storytelling networks, especially through community organizations, the negative effect of stigma on future outlook is weaker and they are more likely to have a positive future outlook. The study makes concrete suggestions for harnessing resources already available within communities for sustainable recovery.
ISSN:0090-9882
1479-5752
DOI:10.1080/00909882.2021.1879391