A binder composition for a negative electrode of a secondary battery, including a particulate binder, and a water-soluble polymer containing an acidic functional group, wherein the water-soluble polymer has an ion conductivity of 1×10−5 to 1×10−3 S/cm; and a swelling degree of the water-soluble polymer to a liquid with a solubility parameter of 8 to 13 (cal/cm3)1/2 is 1.0 to 2.0 times a swelling degree of the particulate binder measured under the same conditions; and use thereof.