Perceptions of Shanghai: a study of Danish expats, urban symbolism and storytelling in an urban planning context
Translated title
Opfattelser af Shanghai: en undersøgelse af danske expats, symbolik og storytelling i et byplanlægningsperspektiv
Author
Pedersen, Carsten Dietz
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2013
Submitted on
2013-08-08
Pages
125
Abstract
This thesis examines how Shanghai represents itself internationally through storytelling and urban symbolism, and how Danish expats in the city perceive and are influenced by this representation. Using a single-case study design, it establishes a theoretical framework for stories and symbols in an urban planning context and applies observations, a literature review, and interviews with Danish expats. The analysis proceeds in two parts: first, it maps “official” portrayals produced and mediated by Shanghai-based actors, including non-geographical narratives and emblematic places such as the Bund and Pudong; second, it explores expats’ interpretations of these portrayals and their impact on everyday perceptions of the city. The discussion suggests that Shanghai has created a relatively uniform and persuasive city narrative that strongly shapes Danish expats’ views, which tend to align with the “official” representation. The thesis thus illuminates how narrative and symbolism can structure a city’s international image and newcomers’ experiences within a planning perspective.
Specialet undersøger, hvordan Shanghai iscenesætter sig internationalt gennem storytelling og urban symbolik, og hvordan denne repræsentation opfattes af danske expats i byen. Med en enkelt-casestudie-tilgang etableres et teoretisk rammeværk for fortællinger og symboler i en planlægningskontekst, og der anvendes observationer, litteraturgennemgang og interviews med danske expats. Analysen er todelt: Dels kortlægges “officielle” fremstillinger fra aktører i Shanghai med interesse i at repræsentere byen, herunder både ikke-geografiske fortællinger og steder som The Bund og Pudong; dels undersøges expats’ tolkninger af disse fremstillinger og deres betydning for hverdagsopfattelsen af byen. Diskussionen peger på, at Shanghai har formået at skabe en relativt ensartet og overbevisende byfortælling, som i høj grad påvirker danske expats, der ender med at dele den “officielle” forståelse af Shanghai. Specialet giver dermed indblik i, hvordan fortællinger og symboler kan forme byers internationale image og nytilflytteres oplevelser i en planlægningsfaglig sammenhæng.
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