Landskapets roll i identitet och tillhörighet : En kvalitativ studie om livsstadier och landskapetsbetydelse för individer i Sverige

Sammanfattning

This research investigates how individual's connection to landscapes changes throughout various stages of life, emphasizing the ways these experiences shape identity and a sense of belonging. Through qualitative interviews with participants of diverse ages and backgrounds, the study delves into the dynamic interactions between personal experiences, social roles, and environmental contexts. Early life encounters with landscapes, such as travel and engagement with nature, are depicted as times of freedom, exploration, and self-discovery, cultivating deep emotional bonds and lasting memories. As life progresses, these relationships often shift, influenced by family responsibilities and evolving priorities, turning landscapes into spaces for shared activities and collective memory creation. For migrants to Sweden, the study highlights those initial practical challenges, including economic pressures and the process of social integration, frequently restrict their ability to connect meaningfully with the landscape. Over time, as stability is achieved, landscapes transform into venues for reflection and personal identity development. By exploring how these connections differ across life stages and contexts, the study underscores the active role of landscapes in shaping human experiences, identity, and well-being. The findings shed light on the interwoven nature of place, identity, and life transitions, revealing how landscapes act as both reflections of and participants in the journey of life.