A place for sharing: The emotional geographies of peer-sharing in UK University halls of residences. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holton, Dr Mark
• Is Part Of: Emotion, space and society. Volume 22(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Student geographies -- Halls of residence -- First year students -- Emotional geographies -- Peer-sharing; Emotions -- Periodicals; Spatial behavior -- Periodicals; Space perception -- Periodicals; 152.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2016.11.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4586

Abstract

Abstract: Our homes are important spaces through which emotions are produced, performed and regulated. They carry significant material and symbolic value and are inscribed with meaning and belonging that are often crucial in shaping and (re)producing collective and individual identities. Yet while research has explored the role of the home in the co-production of familial values, networks and behaviours, less is understood of the emotional geographies of accommodation occupied by non-related adults – defined here as 'peer-sharing'. This paper responds to this gap by exploring how peer-shared living-spaces are emotionally constructed through a case study of students living in a UK university's halls of residences. In doing so, this paper examines how (1) the morphology of shared living-spaces contributes towards the production of sharers' emotions, (2) emotions become inscribed upon home-spaces through place-making activities and (3) diversity is enacted through the emotional work of sharers and how this is performed through friendship in shared living-spaces. This analysis concludes by emphasising the important role of emotions in co-producing different spaces, activities, knowledges and experiences among peer-sharers and how peer-sharing might be both performed in and influenced by living spaces. Highlights: Halls of residences are transitional spaces that are at once placeless and imbued with memory. Halls blur the boundary between shared and private space. The morphology of shared living-spaces contributes towards the production of sharers' emotions. Emotions become inscribed upon home-spaces through place-making activities. Diversity is performed through the emotional-work and friendships of sharers.