This paper suggests an analytical framework for the understanding of what makes places meaningful. In an
interview study, respondents were asked to list places they considered important and describe what these
places meant to them. The analysis of the interviews indicates that meanings spontaneously attributed to
places by the respondents can be mapped around and between the three poles of self, others and environment.
In addition, a number of underlying dimensions of meaning emerge: distinction, valuation, continuity and
change. The relationship between these results and earlier empirical research is discussed. The paper also
points out that, to a great extent, the empirical ¢ndings converge with theoretical conceptualizations of
place within social science. It therefore argues that the results of empirical studies need not be limited
to `special places', but may also, using the suggested analytical framework, contribute to more general
empirical and theoretical discussions regarding the roles and meanings of place in contemporary
society.
This paper suggests an analytical framework for the understanding of what makes places meaningful. In aninterview study, respondents were asked to list places they considered important and describe what theseplaces meant to them. The analysis of the interviews indicates that meanings spontaneously attributed toplaces by the respondents can be mapped around and between the three poles of self, others and environment.In addition, a number of underlying dimensions of meaning emerge: distinction, valuation, continuity andchange. The relationship between these results and earlier empirical research is discussed. The paper alsopoints out that, to a great extent, the empirical ¢ndings converge with theoretical conceptualizations ofplace within social science. It therefore argues that the results of empirical studies need not be limitedto `special places', but may also, using the suggested analytical framework, contribute to more generalempirical and theoretical discussions regarding the roles and meanings of place in contemporarysociety.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..