Seeking a place to be: New York City youth of color in the late 1980's.
Item
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Title
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Seeking a place to be: New York City youth of color in the late 1980's.
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Identifier
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AAI9986313
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identifier
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9986313
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Creator
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Conn, Michael K.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Susan Saegert
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Date
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2000
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Social | Geography | Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
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Abstract
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This study explored the issue of "the place" (and the places) of early adolescence, for young people mostly of color, living in a particular location within New York City during the late 1980's. This study began as a descriptive inquiry into teens' relationships with the places they encountered daily, with the aim of inductively analyzing and highlighting some of the important aspects and concepts underpinning those relationships. Thirty (30) early adolescents, ages 11 to 15, living in low- and middle-income apartment complexes, were interviewed. This project was intended to help create a foundation for the study of adolescence and the environment.;This project suggested some links between teens' experiences with places and their personal and social development, behavior, and sense of self. Among the key dynamics and issues highlighted were barriers and access to places; teens' sense of personal connection to the neighborhood; the patterning of teens' daily experiences; the sense of teens having places 'for' teens (or not); problems and threats in the environment; teens' views of how places could be changed (or not), and by whom; and valued places and positive aspects of the area.;Key themes running throughout had to do with teens' 'seeking a place to be' and the use of 'transitional spaces.' Issues of gender, class, race, and age also intersected many, if not every, experience that teens had with places, and with the general 'shape' of their daily pattern of place experiences.;Future work would do well to continue exploring the relationship between teens' environmental experiences and personal development, the use of extensive autobiographical and hands-on participatory methods, and connections to social theory.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
