Gernika,Guernica, Guernica?: Contested meanings of a Basque place

The town of Gernika/Guernica is the center for meaning and territorial continuity of Basque nationalist identity. The town and its symbolism represent the history of national conflict with the Spanish state. It is also the focal point of local disagreements; within Basque nationalism itself and between regional urban centers. The town's significance in the Spanish Civil War, representation in Picasso's painting Guernica, and commemoration in the Americas by Basque emigrants has made it a globally significant place. The contest of meanings related to Gernika/Guernica underscores the significance of naming, monuments, ritual, resistance, oppression, and conflict in the creation and maintenance of national identities. In its examination of the politics of a Basque place, the joining of the forces of geography and history proves to be useful in the analysis of meaning in place- and time-specific political processes. From this perspective, the recent development from conflict toward harmony in Basque politics is reviewed.     

Troubled water? Acquiescence,conflict, and the politics of place in watershed management

Controversy surrounds proposed revisions in access and recreation policy at central Massachusetts' Wachusett Reservoir, a crucial source of drinking water for metropolitan Boston. This policy conflict illuminates a broader tension between rural and exurban resource-supply areas and metropolitan areas that are committed to resource extraction and urban growth. Boston dominates the reservoir region and extracts its resources, while less powerful local residents disagree with and sometimes protest against policies detrimental or perceived to be detrimental to their interests. Despite this tension, data gathered from surveys at the reservoir, supplementary interviews, archival research, and attendance at public meetings reveal that many potential sites of acrimony are characterized by positive attempts to reclaim place rather than direct opposition to outside domination. Findings suggest that residents in the reservoir region have attached their own values to the reservoir, including both rational valuation of specific non-drinking-water benefits and non-instrumental valuation of the reservoir as an integral part of residents' lifeworlds. Although tensions persist between Boston and the Wachusett region, area residents' complex valuation of the reservoir as a space of utility and a place of everyday life suggests opportunities for consensual resource coalitions and initiatives.     

A place called ‘Bielany’: negotiating a diasporic Polish place in Sydney

This paper examines the creation of a distinctly Polish place by Polish migrants and their children, in Sydney, Australia. I explore the use of place as a means of maintaining distinct ethno-cultural identity in diaspora by evaluating how different groups of Polish people contextualise their diasporic identity, attribute meaning to place, and how these meanings change through time. Differing generational cohorts and waves of migration within Sydney's Polish diaspora (re)create Bielany as a place for maintaining Polish identity by reproducing a familiar and homely place and by centring Bielany as a main venue for recreation and social functions. Notions of place attachment, expressed through participation in activities, ownership and maintenance of a communal Polish place, and emotional linkages to that place, evince their preference for and their connection to a shared and distinctly Polish place.     

The place of drink: Temperance and the public, 1856–1914

Discussions of the place of drink in Britain between 1856 and 1914 were centrally concerned with alcohol as a public problem. Temperance organizations like the United Kingdom Alliance largely abandoned their attempts to reform individuals and instead demanded the prohibition of drink sales. This new concern for the public sphere of politics and public opinion was matched by a new sensitivity to the social contexts of drinking, the role of the drink trade and rituals of conviviality. Temperance documents thus allow us to glimpse two new senses of the public: a wider public sphere, in which the Alliance sought to organize public opinion through lectures, the press and the preparation of moral statistics; and a space of social interaction governed by rational behaviour and ideals of citizenship. It is also possible to construct a contrasting, 'customary', sense of public space based upon drink as a form of gift exchange which symbolized strong bonds of reciprocity. In striving to replace these ties with more abstract and political senses of citizenship and democratic rights, temperance workers played a part in the remaking of understandings of public space as a mirror image of the public sphere.     

The changing place of condominiums across a metropolitan area, 1970–2015

By definition, all condominiums share social features and challenges of governance, but they have inspired two separate narratives: as suburban, often gated, communities and as downtown high-rises or conversions. In Canada, as elsewhere, research has focused on large urban areas, neglecting subtly different dynamics in smaller centres. The purpose of this case study of mid-sized Hamilton, Ontario, was to assess whether and how those dynamics are different across a whole metro area, using newspapers and building permit data. It tracks the changing place of condo developments and conversions across Hamilton since 1970. For decades, most developments were suburban town (row) houses; since 2000, downtown revival has included conversions and taller, new-build projects. It argues that early developments and conversions reflected a “value gap” in relation to purpose-built rental apartments. Led by a migrant arts community, recent centralization has exploited an inner-city “rent gap,” coupled with a popular reassessment of urban living.     

Disabilities,urban natures and children’s outdoor play

Normative, widely circulated discourses about the value of outdoor, natural play for children overwhelmingly marginalize the experiences of families with disabled children, who can often experience outdoor/natural play as a site of hard work, heartache, dread, resignation and inadequacy. This paper presents findings from research with 60 North London families with children aged 5–16 who have a statutory ‘Statement of Special Needs’. Focusing on these families’ experiences of visiting designated, newly refurbished accessible natural play-spaces in two local country parks, the paper highlights: (i) the multiple, compound social-material ‘barriers to fun’ encountered in these spaces; (ii) the profound emotional-affective impacts of such barriers, most notably in terms of feelings of ‘resignation’ and ‘dread’; (iii) parents’/carers’ sadness occasioned by perceived ‘failures’ to ‘live up to’ normative ideals of parenting and family engagement with outdoor play and urban natures; (iv) nevertheless, the possibility of moments of family joy, love and ‘special’ time, afforded via families’ ‘hard work’ and ‘keeping going through hard times’. Through an engagement with recent conceptualizations of everyday geographies of disabilities, the paper suggests that these qualitative experiences complicate some chief, normative ways of knowing outdoor play, urban natures and barriers to accessibility.     

The local traveler: farming,food, and place in state and provincial tourism guides, 1993–2008

Over the past fifteen years, Americans and Canadians have become increasingly interested in and conscious of the sources of their food. Local food movements such as farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture have expanded dramatically in popularity. This study focuses on a heretofore unexamined aspect of this phenomenon, the widespread rise in use of local food and agriculture in tourism marketing. Nearly absent in 1993 promotions, “eating locally” is now a cornerstone of tourism advertising by states and provinces. This study examines the ways that local food is employed in tourism booklets, and by extension, the desires of the travelers to whom such booklets are targeted.     

The place‐names of canada

EUROPE

European Population Transfers, 1939–1945. By Joseph B. Schechtman. Preface by Adolph Lowe. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. xi+532. 3 sketch maps. New York: Oxford University Press, 1946. London: Geoffrey Cumberlege. $5.00, or 21s.

Land and Landscape. By Brenda Colvin, F.I.L.A. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. xii+266. 17 figs. 106 illustrations. London: John Murray, 1947. 21s.

Planning and the Countryside. By Jaqueline Tyrwhitt. 7 1/2 x 5. Pp. 60. 12 figs. Glasgow and London: Art and Educational Publishers Ltd., 1946. 2s 6d.

I Return to Scotland. By S. P. B. Mais. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. 274. 15 plates. 11 sketch maps. London: Christopher Johnson, Publishers, Ltd., 1947. 10s 6d.

The Cathedral and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall. By John Mooney, F.S.A.Scot. 9 1/2 x 6. Pp. xv+251. 19 illustrations. Kirkwall: W. R. Mackintosh. Second edition, 1947. 21s.

Natural History in the Highlands and Islands. By F. Fraser Darling, D.Sc., F.R.S.E. 8 1/2 x 6. Pp. xv+303. 46 photographs in colour, 55 in black‐and‐white. 24 maps and diagrams. London: William Collins, Sons and Co. Ltd., 1947. 16s.

Highways and Byways in the Central Highlands. By Seton Gordon, C.B.E. Foreword, and a glossary of place‐name elements with aids to pronunciation, by W. J. Watson, M.A., L.L.D., D.Litt. Velt., Hon. F.E.I.S. 7 1/2 x 5. Pp. xv+419. Illustrations by Sir D. Y. Cameron, r.a. Map. London: Macmillan and Co. Ltd., 1948. 10s 6d.

In the High Grampians. By Richard Perry. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. 173. 32 photographs, a maps. London: Lindsay Drummond Ltd., 1948 15s.

The Lake District and the National Trust. By B. L. Thompson. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp.viii+223. 24 illustrations. Map (1: 126,720). Kendal: Titus Wilson and Son Ltd., 1946. 10s 6d.

Cornwall. By Peggy Pollard. 9x7. Pp. 48. Drawings and water‐colours by Sven Berlin. 47 photographs. 2 maps. London: Paul Elek (Publishers) Ltd., 1947. 9s 6d.

The Mountains of Snowdonia in History, the Sciences, Literature and Sport. Edited by Herbert R. C. Carr, M.A., F.R.G.S., and George A. Lister, B.Sc. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. xiii+312. 15 figs. 27 plates. 6 sketch maps. London: Crosby Lock‐wood and Son Ltd. Second edition, 1948. 15s.

The Atlantic Islands: A Study of the Faroe Life and Scene. By Kenneth Williamson. Foreword by Eric Linklater. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. 360. 35 photographs. 4 sketch maps. Glossary. London: William Collins, Sons and Co. Ltd., 1948. 16s.

Fahrten in Island. By Rudolf Jonas. Appendices by F. Nusser. 9 x 6. Pp. 199. 3 figs. 80 photographs. Map of Iceland (1: 1,970,000) and of Vatnajokull (1: 800,000). Vienna: L. W. Seidel und Sohn, 1948. $3.50.

Bergens Byområde og dets geografiske Utvikling, 1900–1940. By Tore Sund. 10 1/2 x 7 1/2. Pp. 156. 88 figs. Skrifter fra Norges Handelsh0yskole i Rekken Geografiske Avhandlinger, No. 2. Bergen: J. D. Beyer A.S., 1947.

The Land of France. By Ralph Dutton and Lord Holden. Foreword by Raymond Mortimer. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. xvi+152. 133 illustrations. End‐paper sketch maps. London: B. T. Batsford Ltd. Second, revised, edition, 1946. 12s 6d.

How do you do, Tovarish? By Ralph Parker. gx6J. Pp. 64. 16 isotype charts. 32 photographs. London: George G. Harrap and Co. Ltd., 1947. 7s. 6d.

ASIA

Middle East Journey. By Richard Goold‐Adams. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. viii+195. 22 photographs. Sketch map. London: John Murray, 1947. 15s.

Syrian Pageant: The History of Syria and Palestine, woo B.C. to A.D. 1945. By Wilfred T. F. Castle, M.A. 9x6. Pp.184. 16 illustrations. Sketch map. London: Hutchinson and Co. (Publishers) Ltd., N.D. 21s.

Soil and Water Conservation in the Punjab. By R. Maclagan Gorrie, D.Sc., F.R.S.E. Foreword by Sir Evan M. Jenkins, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. 10x7. Pp. viii+290. 47 figs. 27 plates. Lahore: Punjab Government (Book Depot), 1946. Rs. 5, or 7s 6d.

Tibetan Venture: In the Country of the Ngolo‐Setas. Second Guibaut‐Liotard Expedition. By Andre Guibaut. Translated by Lord Sudley. 8 3/4 x 5. Pp. ix+206. 23 illustrations. 2 maps. London: John Murray, 1947. 16s.

AFRICA

Liberia. By Charles Morrow Wilson. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp.226. 27 illustrations. New York: William Sloane Associates Inc., 1947. $3.75.

In the Forests of the Night. By James Riddell. 9 1/2 x 6. Pp. xiv+229. 97 illustrations. London: Robert Hale Ltd., 1948. 15s.

Wild Life in South Africa. By J. Stevenson‐Hamilton. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp.364. 2 sketch maps. London: Cassell and Co. Ltd., 1947. 12s 6d.

AMERICA

Outlines of the Geography, Life and Customs of Newfoundland‐Labrador (The Eastern Part of the Labrador Peninsula). By V. Tanner. 10 x 6 1/2. Vol. I. Pp. 1–436. Figs. 1–209. Vol. II. Pp. 437–909. Figs. 210–342. Bibliography: Pp. 827–909. Cambridge: University Press, 1947. 50s for the two volumes.

Newfoundland: Economic, Diplomatic, and Strategic Studies. Edited by R. A. Mackay, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. Contributors: The Editor, S. A. Saunders, M.A., Ph.D., A. M. Fraser, M.A., G. S. Graham, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.Hist.S., A. R. M. Lower, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S.C., G. S. Watts, M.A. Foreword by Sir Campbell Stuart, G.C.M.G., K.B.E. 9x6. Pp. xiv+577. Diagrams. 4 sketch maps. End‐paper maps. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1946. London: Geoffrey Cum‐berlege. 30s.

Mexico South: The Isthmus of Tehuantepec. By Miguel Covarrubias. 9 1/2 x 6 1/4. Pp. xxviii+435+viii. 92 line drawings. 8 colour plates. 91 plates (photographs). London: Cassell and Co. Ltd., 1947. 45s.

Mexican Kaleidoscope. By Norman Pklham Wright, F.R.G.S. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp.viii+175. 54 photographs. End‐paper sketch maps. London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1947. 15s.

Land of the Condor; By Hakon Mielche. Translated from the Danish by M. A. Michael. 8 1/2 x 6. Pp. 1352. Marginal drawings. 13 photographs. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London: William Hodge and Co. Ltd., 1947. 12s 6d.

POLAR REGIONS

Grtnlands Historie: En Oversigtfra'ca. 1500 til 1945. By Finn Gad. 10 x 6 1/2. Pp.272. Illustrated. Det Grønlandske Selskabs Skrifter, XIV. Copenhagen: Ejnar Munksgaards Forlag, 1946. Kr. 10.

South ivith Mawson: Reminiscences of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911–1914. By Charles Francis Laseron. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. 223. 17 illustrations. Endpaper sketch maps. Sydney: Australasian Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd. London: George G. Harrap and Co. Ltd., 1947. 12s 6d.

CARTOGRAPHY

Catalogue of Maps in the Essex Record Office, 1566–1855. Edited by F. G. Emmison, F.S.A., f.r.hist.s. Foreword by E. Lynam, d.utt., f.s.a. 11 x 8 3/4. Pp. xx+106. 4 figs. 6 plates in colour. 28 maps in half‐tone. Map of Essex Hundreds and Parishes (1: 126,720). Chelmsford: The Essex County Council, 1947. 21s.

Geschiedenis der Kartografie van Nederland, van den Romeinschen Tijd tot het Midden der 19de Eeuw. By S.J. Fockema Andreae and B. van't Hoff. 12 1/2 x 9 1/2. Pp. viii +127. English summary: pp. 104–121. 25 plates. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff N.V., 1947. 15f.

BIOGRAPHY

Douglas of the Fir: A Biography of David Douglas, Botanist. By Athelstan George Harvey. 9x6. Pp. x+290. Bibliography. 7 illustrations. 4 maps. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1947. London: Geoffrey Cumberlege. $4.00, or 22s.

Arabian Days: An Autobiography. By H. St. J. B. Philby. 9 1/2 x 6. Pp. xvi+336. 52 illustrations. London: Robert Hale Ltd., 1948. 21s.

In Memory of J. M. Shokalsky. Edited by I. J. Krachovsky. 10 x 6 1/2. Pp. 375. 30 illustrations. Bibliography. Moscow and Leningrad: Akademiya Nauk SSSR, 1946. 38 roubles.

Mariner of the North: Captain Bob Bartlett. By George Palmer Putnam. Pp. x+246. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce Inc., 1947. $3.50.

EDUCATIONAL

This is Kenya. 5 x 7 1/4. Pp. 112. 104 photographs. Nairobi: The Kenya Information Office, 1947. 2s.

GENERAL

Glacial Geology and the Pleistocene Epoch. By Richard Foster Flint. 9x6. Pp. xviii+589. 88 figs. 6 plates. Bibliography. New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc. London: Chapman and Hall Ltd., 1947. $6.00, or 36s.

Plough and Pasture. By E. Cecil Curwen. 7 1/2 x 5. Pp. iii+122. 21 figs. 14 plates. Past and Present, Vol. 4. London: The Cobbett Press, 1946. 7s 6d.

Revolution of Environment. By E. A. Gutkind. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. ix+454. 60 figs. 74 plates. 3 maps. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner and Co. Ltd., 1946. 30s.

World Words: Recommended Pronunciations. By W. Cabell Greet. 9 1/2 x 6. Pp. liii+608. New York: Columbia University Press, by arrangement with the Columbia Broadcasting System. Second edition, revised and enlarged, 1948. London: Geoffrey Cumberlege. $6.75, or 37s 6d.

Compass of the World: A Symposium on Political Geography. Edited by Hans W. Weigert and Vilhjalmur Stefansson. 8+5$. Pp. xvi+466. 39 figs., with maps by Richard E. Harrison. London: George G. Harrap and Co. Ltd.,1946. 15s.

British Sources of References and Information: A Guide to Societies, Works of Reference, and Libraries. Edited by Theodore Besterman. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. ix+56. London: Aslib (for the British Council), 1947. 6s, or 5s to Aslib members.

Britain and Her Export Trade. Edited by Mark Abrams. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp. 329. London: Pilot Press Ltd., 1946. 15s.

A Book of Voyages. Edited by Patrick O'Brian. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2. Pp.274. Decorations by Joan Burton. London: Home and Van Thai Ltd., 1947. 15s.

Portuguese Voyages, 1408–1663. Edited by Charles David Ley. 6 3/4 x 4 1/4. Pp. xxii+360. Everyman's Library, No. 986. London: J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd., 1947. New York: E. P. Dutton and Co. Inc. 4s 6d.

A Book of Recent Exploration. By Charles E. Key, M.A., F.R.G.S. 7 1/4 x 5 1/4. Pp.233. 13 illustrations. 11 sketch maps. London: George G. Harrap and Co. Ltd., 1946. 8s 6d.

MAPS AND ATLASES

The "Contour” Road Book of Scotland. By Harry R. G. Inglis, F.R.S.G.S. Revised and extended by R. M. G. Inglis. 6x3 1/2. Pp. xvi+288. 500 maps and plans. Edinburgh: Gall and Inglis. Twentieth Revision, n.d.

Norway in Maps. By Tore Sund and Axel Sømme. 10 x 7 1/2. A. Text‐Volume. Pp. 96. B. Sketch Maps and Photographs. Pp. 52. 82 figs. C. Maps (Norges Geografiske Opmaling). Index map (1: 2,800,000). 19 maps (1: 200,000). Skrifter fra Norges Handelsheyskole i Rekken Geografiske Avhandlinger, Nos. 1–2. Bergen: A. S.John Griegs Boktrykkeri, 1947.

Kleine geologische Overzichtskaart van Nederland op de Schaal 1:600,000. Geologische Stichting, Afdeling Geologische Kaart. Explanatory text, and summary in English. 11 1/4 x 8. Pp. 16. Map: 22 1/4 x 19 1/2. The Hague: Staatsdrukkerij, 1947.

Maly Atlas Polski [Little Atlas of Poland], Edited by Jerzy Kondracki. 8 x 12 1/4. 28 maps in colour. Warsaw: G16wny Urzad Pomiarow Krajy [Head Office . of Survey], 1947.     

Resistance and the politics of negotiation: women,place and space among the Kayapó in Amazonia,Brazil

In this article, I suggest that a critical analysis of Kayapó participation in resistance strategies should be inclusive of negotiated politics, everyday resistance and micro-scale strategies of contestation along with the public and highly dramatic. In particular, I interweave theories of gender, resistance and space to analyse women's strategies of resistance and spaces of negotiation in a Kayapó village. I not only emphasize the performative politics of activism, but also highlight the gendered facets of performance and resistance. I suggest that a critical analysis of women's participation in resistance strategies should be inclusive of but not overshadowed by the highly visible, spectacular forms of social movements. Drawing upon more than 12 months of ethnographic research in a Kayapó village, I note the importance of examining everyday experiences of discord and resistance in Kayapó villages. This micro-scale perspective is especially salient if we consider that women might be unevenly included or not have routine access to leadership roles and protests. Finally, I draw attention to the power-laden spatial politics of contestation in order to trace the way in which women are using distinct facets of village landscapes for performative practices and politics.     

‘Whore-friendly people’: heritage tourism,the media and the place of sex work in Butte,Montana

In 1997, the International Sex Workers Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education (ISWFACE) began the process of purchasing a historic parlor house brothel (the Dumas) in Butte, Montana to create a cultural center and museum. This business transaction drew national and international attention while Butte citizens questioned the presence of ISWFACE in their community. Using media accounts of the Dumas, I examine the framing of sex work and its place in the heritage tourism landscape of the American West. The case of the Dumas captures the complicated relationship between history, a community, tourism and the media on local as well as national/international levels. Sex work is part of the historical landscape of the American West, but is fading from view as communities actively shape their public image, erasing this element from their landscapes.     

Local history as productive nostalgia? Change,continuity and sense of place in rural England

Local history groups are often negatively associated with a tendency to indulge in nostalgic practices that yearn for a romanticized past and propagate resistance to change. Their role in local politics and power networks (particularly in relation to planning and development processes) has also been critiqued as exacerbating issues of social inequality and exclusion. While not contesting the realities of such arguments, this paper adds nuance to such debates using the notion of ‘productive’ or ‘mobile’ nostalgia to explore possibilities for more positive renderings of local history and heritage activities. Empirical evidence from qualitative research in a rural village in Norfolk, England, is drawn on to demonstrate the role of these practices in providing a sense of continuity amid a continuously changing locale through the reassertion of place identities and attachments. Although by no means apolitical, this process need not necessarily be one of preservationism and resistance to change, but can be a mechanism through which residents are able to accept, or even welcome, changes to the social and physical constitution of their village. The paper also critically considers the value of productive nostalgia as a concept through which to explore local history practices and wider heritage movements.     

Browsing the Modern Kitchen—a feast of gender,place and culture (Part 1)

Assembling 10 essays from around the globe which engage variously with the space in which food preparation occurs—the kitchen—revealed stunning diversity but also commonalities. In this first of two sets of theme papers on this vital but often unexamined domestic space, the discourse of modernity unites the look and use of twentieth-century kitchens in Australia, Britain and Finland. Imbued with notions of scientific management, the modern kitchen had some common designs which prescribed women's place within it—first as the main occupant and then as the family overseer. The construction of this semi-private space also involved particular domestic technologies which, as the new century dawns, now literally connect the kitchen to the world beyond via the internet fridge. This Introduction begins the two-part feast of gender, place and culture—with an overview of Australia and sketch of subsequent essays—Supski on mid-century migrant Australia, Saarikangas on Finland, Bennett on rural Britain and Watkins on the fridge.

Hojeando la cocina moderna—un banquete de género, lugar y cultura (primera parte)

Reunir diez ensayos de todos lados del mundo que engranan variamente con el espacio donde se prepara la comida—la cocina—reveló no solo diversidades impresionantes sino similitudes. En esta primera de dos ediciones especiales sobre este espacio doméstico esencial aunque poco examinado, el discurso de modernidad une el aspecto y el uso de cocinas del siglo XX en Australia, Gran Bretaña y Finlandia. Imbuido con conceptos de la administración científica, la cocina moderna tuvo algunos diseños comunes que prescribieron el lugar de mujeres dentro de ella—primera como el ocupante principal y luego como capataz de la familia. La construcción de este espacio semi-privado involucró también tecnologías domesticas especificas que, a la vez que amanece el nuevo siglo, actualmente enlazan literalmente la cocina con el mundo externo vía la nevera ‘internet’. Esta introducción empieza el banquete de dos partes de género, lugar y cultura—con un repaso de Australia y un bosquejo de los ensayos subsecuentes: Supski en Australia migratorio a medio siglo, Saarikangas en Finlandia, Bennett en Británica rural, y Watkins en la nevera.     

‘I feel like this is a good place to be’: children's experiences at a community recreation centre for children living with low socioeconomic status

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of children living with low socioeconomic status (SES) at a community recreation centre using the framework of place attachment [Scannell, L., and R. Gifford. 2010. “Defining Place Attachment: A Tripartite Organizing Framework.” Journal of Environmental Psychology 30 (1): 1–10. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.09.006]. Seven children took part in semi-structured interviews and drawing activities. Additional data were collected through observations, field and reflective notes, documents and a staff focus group interview. The overarching theme of having opportunities emerged from a thematic analysis of the data. The children, as they shared about their experiences at the centre, talked about having opportunities in three main ways: opportunities to do, opportunities to connect and opportunities to be. The findings are discussed broadly within the framework of place attachment and through the literature on after-school programming, children's geographies, place and SES.