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
Roller skating -- Oregon -- Portland, Public spaces -- Oregon -- Portland, Social 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