Appropriations: Dynamics of Domestic Space Negotiations in Italian Middle-Class Working Families

Abstract

This article concerns the dynamics of domestic space `appropriation' in Italian middle-class working families. The article starts from a background in multidisciplinary literature, mostly in the area of ethnographical and psychological studies, where the concepts of both `ownership' and `territoriality' prove to be inadequate. A dynamic view of space appropriations is chosen instead: starting from `outside appropriations', the presence of marked thresholds is then considered. Secondly, domestic space appropriations within the house are analysed in a purely qualitative way. There are selective and `predominant' appropriations by a single family member and by the whole household; questions of sovereignty and painful `proscriptions' (kingdoms and exiles) arise when specific parts of the house pertain to a given individual. But there are also unstable appropriations which reveal that there are negotiations in progress according to the family's power dynamics. Thus defined, the categories of domestic space also provide a key to understanding the families' relationships.

The discursive construction of the fathers’ positioning within family participation frameworks

“…In this excerpt, space too has an important place in "translating" the context, because actions are generated and performed towards the objects that are present in the space (Giorgi et al 2007). It is from boxes contained in the room that the action of putting them into place is generated and the father translates the action for the researcher's benefit: also in turn 120, the father explains his action starting from an object that is on the table.…”

Family perspectives on social hospitality dimensions while on holiday

“…Imaginary is concerned with the individual ideals of family life that can be located in different time dimensions. Accommodation space therefore is more than a functional or simply a territorial space (Giorgi et al, 2007); rather, it is a space that has social, cultural and historical significance (Moore, 2000). Acknowledgement must be given here to the realities of many families living in cramped living conditions, e.g.…”

“…The design of accommodation space and how this shapes or reflects the body in family practices is also drawing increasing attention in sociological enquiry (Morgan, 2011). Giorgi et al (2007) advise that family cultural identities are emergent from house space and families define themselves through such spaces. Accommodation space therefore is more than a functional or simply a territorial space (Giorgi et al, 2007); rather, it is a space that has personal, social, cultural and emotional significance.…”

“…This signifies 'not only an escape from an everyday-home but also for a holiday-home' (Larsen, 2013: 16). Giorgi et al (2007) advise that family cultural identities are emergent from house space and families define themselves through such spaces. Holloway and Valentine (2000) perceive home space for children as one founded on relations of power and control.…”

Spirit and Meaning of Space in Benin Domestic Architecture Nigeria

“…An integrated approach from architecture, anthropology, sociology and behavioural studies has been used in the study to help understand space meaning, since the concept of domestic space is multi-dimensional in nature (Mallet, 2004). Giorgi, et al (2007) analysed space meaning, and household members' relationships as a continuous variable defined primarily by social context in which they occur, territoriality and concept of ambiguity are recognised (Valsiner, 2007). Abbey & Valsiner (2005) explained that it is established to avoid misuse and get a sense of stability.…”