Attachment to place and community ties in two suburbs of Jyväskylä, Central Finland

Abstract

This article describes varied place attachments manifested in public (communal) places in the two socioeconomically weakest suburbs of the city of Jyväskylä in central Finland. We conducted ethnographic research and observations, interviewed local experts on their views of the suburbs, and analysed discourses from various places where residents’ experiences of identity and social relations are connected to residential and community attachment. Our results show a strong connection to place evolving in both suburbs through bonds to the physical and the social environment. The local experts reported social connectedness and sense of belonging among the residents of both suburbs. The strength of the suburbs resided in a community spirit manifested in public places (community centers, local natural beauty spots, and recreational spaces). Residents are attached to their nearby natural environment and specific places in both suburbs. Attachment to place is undermined by negative media influence and by public discourse highlighting social segregation and insecurity. Keywords: community ties, ethnography, suburb, place attachment, place experiences.