"So, you're from Brixton?": towards a social psychology of community

摘要: This thesis examines the social psychological significance of 'community', as it is experienced and talked about in Brixton, a culturally diverse area South London. There are two points entry into psychology community: (1) negotiation representations community (2) co-construction identities. The theoretical perspective that I have developed through this research grounded theory (Moscovici, 1984, 1988; Farr, 1987) draws on other theories representation (Hall, 1997a), (Cohen, 995), identity self-consciousness 1991a; Tajfel, 1982; Mead, 1934), stigma (Goffman, 1968) media (Thompson, 1995). It an ethnographic study which combines ongoing participant-observation, 7 focus groups with 44 adolescents aged between 12 16, 5 in-depth interviews deputy-heads Brixton's schools, analysis documentary set follow-up discussions. These accounts woven together to answer principal question: how `community' lived Brixton? shows communities emerge sites struggle self-identity, belonging difference. Community identities constructed against community, particularly those media. Two competing Brixton - 'Brixton Diverse' Bad' — were found same representational field. data illustrate different ways people affirm, manipulate contest these ambivalent order defend their so either claim or reject membership. examine both reflect construct reality Brixton. reveals potential construct, delimit empower living community. systematic demonstrates pressing need for