Abstract

SANTONI, Mariana. Urban ecosystem-psychology: space-subjectivity interactions. Multequina [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.2, pp.117-127. ISSN 1852-7329.

This contribution seeks to articulate the issue of urban ecosystems with some aspects of psychology. It is a descriptive approach to the problem, based on anthropological and psychological contributions to Urban Ecology. Some relationships between the notion of space and the concept of subjectivity are presented. Multiple-causality is suggested between space and subjectivity: specific characteristics and particularities of space will affect the subjectivity of inhabitants. Also, subjectivity of individuals or groups will have an incidence on space, particularly regarding its appropriation and use. The notion of symbolized space is introduced, and Ague’s concepts are followed in the transition from places to non-places. Globalization is analyzed in relation to its effects on fragmentation of social relations. Proliferation of non-places in the current historical context will impact at both the levels of subjectivity constitution and new contemporary pathologies (depressive disorders, panic attacks, feelings of emptiness and solitude, isolation, diverse addictive behaviours, alimentary dysfunctions, and difficulty to establish social relations). The proposal is to re-think the construction and recovery of spaces likely to facilitate and promote social links between the inhabitants.

Keywords : Fragmentation; Non-places; Modern pathologies.

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