Making scents of transition: Smellscapes and the everyday in 'Old' and 'New' urban Poland

Śliwa, M. and Riach, K. (2012) Making scents of transition: Smellscapes and the everyday in 'Old' and 'New' urban Poland. Urban Studies, 49(1), pp. 23-41. (doi: 10.1177/0042098011399596)

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Abstract

In this article, the growing body of literature on transition within central and eastern Europe is developed by exploring how discussing the senses may illuminate the experience of change to post-socialism for urban dwellers. After situating the study within the rich ethnographic heritage on urban transition, the key tenets of ‘geographies of smell’ are outlined as a means of inquiry which emphasises the lived, sensually embodied experience of transition. The empirical study is focused upon the interrogation of the meanings created by, and attached to, olfactory experience in contemporary Poland, discussing three motifs that highlight the symbolic and transformative role of smell in relation to transition. In understanding smell as playing an active role in the creation of meaning, not only are current debates surrounding geographies of smell extended, but it is argued that addressing the relatively neglected sensual dimension of the social provides an avenue into more nuanced dimensions of urban transition.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Riach, Professor Kathleen
Authors: Śliwa, M., and Riach, K.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Urban Studies
Publisher:SAGE
ISSN:0042-0980
ISSN (Online):1360-063X
Published Online:12 April 2011

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