Sponsor
Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning
First Advisor
Matthew Gebhardt
Term of Graduation
Summer 2023
Date of Publication
8-29-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Urban Studies (M.U.S.)
Department
Urban Studies and Planning
Language
English
Subjects
counter hegemonic, insurgent urbanism, just futures, queer spatial theory, roller skating, spatial justice
DOI
10.15760/etd.3648
Physical Description
1 online resource (vi, 131 pages)
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, insurgent roller-skating has 're-emerged' as a popular use of urban space. Drawing on spatial justice theories, futures literature, and queer spatial theory, this study theorizes a four-part just futures framework to analyze the nuance and tension within the roller-skating scene in Portland, Oregon. The just futures framework: 1) creates a space for expanding planning practice to reflect overlooked and suppressed perspectives on urban space; 2) explores insurgent urbanism’s contradiction between the reification of hegemonic systems and its counter-hegemonic and subversive qualities; and 3) assesses the spatial and planning implications of insurgent roller-skating. The four parts of the just futures framework are: historical awareness, pluriversality, future of the present, and participatory futures.
Using digital media content analysis, semi-structured interviews, on-site skate along interviews, and participant observation, this study focuses on three different insurgent roller-skating groups in Portland, Oregon. Spatial and urban planning implications from this study range from recovering and reconnecting historical narratives around roller-skating to a need for more flexible, multi-purpose skating infrastructure. Conclusions confirm that queer space-making, an embrace of all mobilities, ages, and abilities, and alternative futurities exist within the contemporary insurgent roller-skating scene. Yet, results indicate the inter-organizational challenges of balancing growth with inclusivity, fewer events in less central neighborhoods, and a lack of racial diversity within the dominant insurgent skating scenes.
Rights
©2023 Célia Camile Beauchamp
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/40831
Recommended Citation
Beauchamp, Célia Camile, "A Just Futures Framework: Insurgent Roller-Skating in Portland, Oregon" (2023). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6512.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.3648