Nikolas Harrison
Labour in Japan, civil society, grass root organizations
Before beginning your studies at the Institute of Political Economy where did you study and what program(s) were you enrolled in?
The University of Ottawa’s International Studies and Modern Languages B.A program.
What is it specifically that attracted you to study Political Economy at Carleton?
The small size of the department, the exciting of range topics explored by the faculty and students, the multidisciplinary approach fostered and encouraged by the faculty and the friendliness and help provided by the administration created the perfect storm.
My areas of research interest include…
The flexibilisation of labour in Japan and how it might impact Japanese civil society organizations. I find it very interesting to look at small groups like neighbourhood associations to observe this phenomena. Also Japanese political economy more generally!
What other activities have you been involved in lately?
I am currently doing research for a major research paper relating to Japanese political economy, and go to Japan often for fun and to work. I find it’s important to be a part of Japanese culture in order to continue to develop a contextualized understanding of the place I am writing about!
What advice would you give to a prospective Political Economy graduate student?
This is the perfect institute to find yourself. Don’t have a topic that you’re dying to write about? Don’t worry, study here and you will find that you will acquire all the tools you need to conduct meaningful research and grow as a nice, informed human being. You will read things that might make you feel cynical about human progress so try to stay positive, and take in lots of sunlight.