Theme 2: Abstract for WG 2
2.2 Enabling and disabling spaces – functional and bodily variation in rural areas
Organisers:
Cecilia Bygdell, Upplandsmuseet, Sweden, cecilia.bygdell@upplandsmuseet.se
Susanne Stenbacka, Department of Social and Economic Geography, Uppsala University, Sweden
Abstract:
In this session, we seek to get a better understanding of how rural communities cope with challenges in relation functional variations of bodies manifested in for example disabilities, chronic illness or reduced working capacities. We are interested in how the supply of services and infrastructure is experienced in relation to functional variations among rural inhabitants and how planning strategies develop in relation to these issues. We search for theoretical discussions where functionality and rurality meet as well as for empirically based examples of how rural spaces are perceived as enabling and/or disabling. Mobility, accessibility, confinement and participation are a few examples of useful concepts in discussions around the intersection of the rural and functional variation.
Papers may address issues in relation to an inclusive citizenship and focus on planning, individual experiences and/or theoretical implications. Questions to be raised include how functional variations due to factors such as disabilities, chronic illness or reduced working capacities are experienced and can be met in rural areas, how increasing demands on accessibility in all societal sectors are interpreted in a rural context, or how migration patterns in rural areas relate to communities’ abilities to meet different needs.
Arrangement:
Paper session with traditional presentations
Abstract forwarded to: cecilia.bygdell@upplandsmuseet.se and info@ruralities.org before Jan. 1st 2018