Sozialraum Quartier. Konfliktfelder und Perspektiven in Großstadtregionen

Abstract

I take the fundamental connection between „social” (conceptualized as „social capital”) and „space” (conceptualized as „space of society”) as the starting point to open up a new perspective on social space. Using data and results from Hamburg I show the extent to which the given spatial and social conditions support or hinder the development of social capital and identify social potentials that could be activated in the neighborhood in order to promote social integration—in the case in question, local adolescents. Conflicts play a substantial role in these processes, but the underlying influencing factors and social potentials of local communities can only be identified if research is focused on the lifeworlds of social actors. It is in everyday meetings, social contacts, and networks that local civil society is shaped and can develop the social capital necessary to overcome difficulties of everyday life.