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Linking Discourse and Space: Towards a Cultural Sociology of Space in Analysing Spatial Policy Discourses

Author

Listed:
  • Tim Richardson

    (Department of Town and Regional Planning, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK, tim.richardson@sheffield.ac.uk)

  • Ole B. Jensen

    (Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 11, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark, obj@i4.auc.dk)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore how spatialities are 'constructed' in spatial policy discourses and to explore how these construction processes might be conceptualised and analysed. To do this, we discuss a theoretical and analytical framework for the discourse analysis of socio-spatial relations. Our approach follows the path emerging within planning research focusing on the relations between rationality and power, making use of discourse analytics and cultural theoretical approaches to articulate a cultural sociology of space. We draw on a variety of theoretical sources from critical geography to sociology to argue for a practice- and culture-oriented understanding of the spatiality of social life. The approach hinges on the dialectical relation between material practices and the symbolic meanings that social agents attach to their spatial environment. Socio-spatial relations are conceptualised in terms of their practical 'workings' and their symbolic 'meaning', played out at spatial scales from the body to the global-thus giving notion to an analysis of the 'politics of scale'. The discourse analytical approach moves away from textually oriented approaches to explore the relations between language, space and power. In the paper, we use examples of the articulation of space in the emerging field of European spatial policy. It is shown how the new spatial policy discourse creates the conditions for a new set of spatial practices which shape European space, at the same time as it creates a new system of meaning about that space, based on the language and ideas of polycentricity and hypermobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Richardson & Ole B. Jensen, 2003. "Linking Discourse and Space: Towards a Cultural Sociology of Space in Analysing Spatial Policy Discourses," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 40(1), pages 7-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:40:y:2003:i:1:p:7-22
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980220080131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andreas Faludi, 2001. "The Application of the European Spatial Development Perspective: Evidence from the North-West Metropolitan Area," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(5), pages 663-675, July.
    2. Ole Jensen & Tim Richardson, 2001. "Nested Visions: New Rationalities of Space in European Spatial Planning," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(8), pages 703-717.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marie-Claude Bélis-Bergouignan & Elie Brugarolas, 2010. "Building research and technology (R&T) transregional networks through an Interreg IIIB project," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 2(2), pages 135-155, November.
    2. Weifeng Guo & Xiangmin Zheng & Fang Meng & Xiaonan Zhang, 2019. "The Evolution of Cultural Space in a World Heritage Site: Tourism Sustainable Development of Mount Wuyi, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-17, July.

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