Sense of Place in the City: Using Photo Voice to Uncover Meaningful Places by Newcomers of Ethnic Minority

摘要

This study used photo voice to enlist Bangladeshi participants in identifying places that are meaningful to them as newcomer ethnic minorities in the City of Toronto. Four themes---First Experiences, Belongingness, Diversity, and Gratitude---emerged as explanations for why places held meaning. The author found that place meaning rather than place attachment is a greater driver for developing a sense of place within this case study group. The results showed that biophysical elements are the least photographed, likely due to the urban city environment and the processes of acculturation. The study also found that, although the Psychological and Sociocultural dimensions are prominent, the Political-Economic dimension is also an important driver of place meaning. The study was situated in one of the most diverse cities in the world and concludes with suggestions for engaging newcomer ethnic minorities in urban Environmental Education research and practice.