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Making sense of segregation: Transitional thinking and contested space

Author

Listed:
  • Joanne Murphy

    (University of Birmingham, UK)

  • Sara McDowell

    (Ulster University, UK)

Abstract

In segregated societies space is typically a source of conflict and confusion. Everyday geographies are often navigated through complex patterns of movement that are sensitive to the ‘other’ and their spatial practices. Individuals adjust and tailor their movements, in part, because of the fear of the unknown. This paper, using three embedded cases of interface communities in Northern Ireland, considers how processes of spatial ‘sensemaking’ can reduce anxiety about contested spaces in deeply divided communities. The paper makes three important contributions. First it extends conceptualisations of sensemaking to a focused reading of geographical space in a divided society. This marks an important extension for a theory that until now has been largely confined to the organisational studies literature and provides a theoretical scaffolding with which to better understand individual and group responses to spatial contestation and division. Second, it identifies how processes of sensemaking, married with what we term a ‘connecting methodology’, can instigate individuals to make, break and give sense to themselves and others around issues of past contestation and current disputes. Finally, it argues that these interventions can occasion transitional thinking and new movement through contested space, an important contribution for those working and living in divided societies. The paper draws on data from a wider project on community commemoration in Northern Ireland which explore how individuals and communities collectively move through contested spaces. The process of sensemaking, we argue, can redefine the parameters for participatory methodologies and provide unique opportunities to break deadlocks in deeply divided societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanne Murphy & Sara McDowell, 2023. "Making sense of segregation: Transitional thinking and contested space," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(14), pages 2835-2851, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:60:y:2023:i:14:p:2835-2851
    DOI: 10.1177/00420980231161007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joep P. Cornelissen & Saku Mantere & Eero Vaara, 2014. "The Contraction of Meaning: The Combined Effect of Communication, Emotions, and Materiality on Sensemaking in the Stockwell Shooting," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(5), pages 699-736, July.
    2. Patriotta, Gerardo & Brown, Andrew D., 2011. "Sensemaking, metaphors and performance evaluation," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 34-43, March.
    3. Mike Morrissey & Frank Gaffikin, 2006. "Planning for Peace in Contested Space," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(4), pages 873-893, December.
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