Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR)

Cohabited Space

“Cohabited space” is the term we use for any defined area where people of different backgrounds live in proximity. Demarcation within such a space has always been an issue. Besides real spaces, such as countries, cities or ghettoes, there are virtual, cultural spaces too, which are fought over at various levels of discourse. Such discourses may represent different concepts and ideas, individual or collective, private or public, past or present.  They may also challenge traditional concepts and lead to the constitution of new social entities and relations.

This new research cluster looks at the interfaces and trajectories of such contested areas, together with the discursive representation of the 'self' and the 'other' in text, sound, pictures and movies. We apply the methods of cultural and religious studies, anthropology and socio-linguistics, and focus on the experience of migration and diaspora, both in its historical perspective and from the viewpoint of present-day concerns. Current research topics include the study of Roma, Jewish and Islamic minorities, the ways in which society deals with social tensions and traumatic events by making urban interventions, and the politics of memory.

Our academic discussions and research are stimulated by the events we organize, including the regular local research-in-progress seminars, research and knowledge transfer activities locally and nationally,  and of course international conferences.

Contact: Susanne Marten-Finnis

 Academic members:

• Monica Riera