Performative Governance and Territorial Stigmatization: The Case of AxelGro
Author
Abdullahu, Fatos
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-11-13
Pages
47
Abstract
Territorial stigmatization is about how certain areas and their residents are viewed through negative stereotypes, representations, and social categories. This thesis examines how symbolic governance and performative actions in the AxelGro project may unintentionally contribute to reproducing such stigma. AxelGro took place on 6 September 2023 in Axelborg, Horsens, as a new and innovative initiative in the Danish non-profit housing sector. It offers a useful setting to see whether stigma is sustained or challenged. Here, symbolic governance refers to the use of language, images, and staged events to set agendas and steer action. Performative actions are visible measures and events designed to send clear signals about problems and solutions. The analysis uses Maarten Hajer’s performative perspective on governance to explore how storylines, metaphors, and discourse coalitions (alliances built around shared narratives) shape perceptions of stigmatized neighborhoods. The study draws on materials from the event, including a short film, articles, and the project description. The thesis finds that, although AxelGro responds to social challenges, its focus on social mixing and integration can unintentionally reinforce stigmatizing narratives by presenting Axelborg as a place in need of external intervention. The study highlights a gap between residents’ perspectives and those of external stakeholders, pointing to conflicting interests. AxelGro thus both challenges and reproduces stigma at the same time. Even so, the project has sparked local engagement and laid the groundwork for stronger social ties and future empowerment.
Territorial stigmatisering handler om, hvordan bestemte områder og deres beboere bliver set gennem negative stereotyper, fremstillinger og sociale kategorier. Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan symbolsk styring og performative handlinger i projektet AxelGro uforvarende kan bidrage til at (gen)skabe sådan stigmatisering. AxelGro fandt sted den 6. september 2023 i Axelborg, Horsens, som et nyt og innovativt initiativ i den almene boligsektor. Projektet giver en god ramme for at se, om stigma bliver fastholdt eller udfordret. Symbolsk styring betyder her brugen af ord, billeder og iscenesatte begivenheder til at sætte dagsorden og styre handling. Performative handlinger er synlige tiltag og events, der skal sende bestemte signaler om problemer og løsninger. Analysen bygger på Maarten Hajers performative perspektiv på governance og undersøger, hvordan fortællinger (storylines), metaforer og diskurskoalitioner (alliancer omkring fælles fortællinger) former opfattelsen af stigmatiserede boligområder. Datagrundlaget er materialer fra begivenheden, herunder minifilm, artikler og projektbeskrivelse. Specialet finder, at selv om AxelGro er et svar på sociale udfordringer, kan fokus på social blanding og integration uforvarende forstærke stigmatiserende fortællinger ved at fremstille Axelborg som et sted med behov for ekstern indgriben. Studiet peger på en afstand mellem beboernes perspektiver og eksterne interessenters, som vidner om interessekonflikter. AxelGro udfordrer og reproducerer således stigma på samme tid. Samtidig har projektet sat gang i lokal deltagelse og lagt grunden for stærkere sociale bånd og en fremtidig styrkelse af beboernes handlekraft.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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