Living by the Sea. International and Intergroup Comparisons of Socio-spatial Representations of this “Life Territory”

Resumen

The article sets out to study socio-spatial representations of seaside areas using an international and intergroup approach. Specifically, we have attempted to identify forms of appropriation of place and their contribution to the process of identity construction. Research was carried out in France and Iceland. Despite the differences in geoclimatic conditions and lifestyles of local populations in these two countries, they share a strong sense of attachment to the sea and coast. In order to study socio-spatial representations, a qualitative survey (semi-structured interviews and cognitive maps) was conducted with 48 inhabitants. The interview guide focuses on four themes relating to respondents’ life territories: representation of the life territory, individual personal history, elements of change, and relationships between individuals or groups. Evaluation grids were constructed to process the maps manually and analyse the comments made during the interviews. The findings show predominantly cartographic representations. However, there was a significantly greater number of these representations in France than in Iceland, where other forms of spatial representation of the territory were also observed, thus suggesting a different relationship to space. Furthermore, these representations of territories varied according to the origins of the respondents (native to the area, non-native to the area) as is evidenced by the drawings. These contrasts reflect different cultural representations of the territory stemming from a different relationship with time and space.