AbstractsPsychology

Us and the Others

by Isabella Valeur




Institution: Roskilde University
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: inclusion; exclusion; nightlife; Copenhagen; symbolic violence; Danishness
Record ID: 1120613
Full text PDF: http://rudar.ruc.dk/handle/1800/17729


Abstract

Through four qualitative interviews, the phenomena of inclusion and exclusion in the nightlife in central Copenhagen are examined. With a phenomenological approach, the focus is on life-world experiences of two locals and two foreigners in the Copenhagen nightlife. The research is based on a first-person perspective, characterized by a co-constitution of knowledge. Relevant theories on inclusion and exclusion from the social psychological field are used. Prevalent theories are based on a cognitive approach. Pierre Bourdieu’s approach about habitus, capitals and symbolic power, as well as Crenshaw’s intersectionality-approach offer structural perspective. The last element of the theoretical framework is the concept of Danishness. It is shown that ethnic background, phenotype, socio-economic background, gender, and habitus are connected to inclusion and exclusion processes in the nightlife in Copenhagen and other life domains. The different factors vary in their importance. The interview participants related differently to certain situations/concepts, and have individual strategies to achieve more inclusion. The concept of symbolic violence leads to a more nuanced explanation of reasons for exclusion and its partly perceived legitimacy. Our findings suggest that future research ought to focus on a holistic approach to these phenomena, by including all participants in the nightlife; not only people who go out, but also the owners of the venues etc. Finally, there are offered suggestions for a more inclusive nightlife in Copenhagen.