Utilization of Sense of Place and Photovoice Within Social-Ecological Systems Research

Authors

Melissa Lau, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Elizabeth Anderson

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Jim Riach

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Nelson Varas-Diaz

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

sense of place, photovoice, social-ecological systems, qualitative, Miami River, environmental change

Date of Defense

10-26-2022

Abstract

Sense of place has proved to be a useful conceptual and methodological tool to examine social-ecological systems (SES), particularly SES experiencing change. This thesis expands on its utility through two major components. First, I examined research trends of sense of place within SES research over the last 20 years. My results indicated that it is still an emerging concept and future research will continue to expand on its utility. Second, I applied the concept of sense of place to the Miami River, a dynamic SES located in South Florida, USA, that continues to experience rapid urbanization. Specifically, I examined the place meanings that residents ascribed to the Miami River and adjacent neighborhoods. Photovoice was used to elucidate ascribed place meanings. My results yielded two important findings: (1) negative or ambivalent meanings contribute to place connections and (2) photovoice proved to be a valuable research tool examining ascribed place meanings of SES experiencing change.

Identifier

FIDC010962

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5344-0438

Recommended Citation

Lau, Melissa, "Utilization of Sense of Place and Photovoice Within Social-Ecological Systems Research" (2022). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5152.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5152