Paper short abstract:

This study highlight the spatial dimension of teenagers' identity, combining commented itinerary and life story. The results show four continuums which allow for an integration of generally acknowledged components of identity construction in their territorial foundations.

Paper long abstract:

Identity has an important spatial dimension (Bonaiuto, 1996; Moles & Rhomer, 1972). In this study, we highlight the spatial dimension of young new brunswickers' identity. How do individual behaviors contribute to the symbolic construction of the territory and how do the different environmental contexts contribute to the construction of the individuals' self? Since Lynch (1960) highlighted the components of the mental organisation of the city, the relationships between identity and landscape have greatly evolved. Our study is mainly based on the structure of spatial identity (Stock, 2008, 2012), on the autobiographical approach to one's relationship with the environment (Bachelart, 2009) and on the social construction of identity (Lussault). Through an original method combining commented itinerary (Thibaud, 2001) and life story (Pineau, 1984), we aim to reveal how spatial identity is constructed. Sixty-one 10th grade students were asked to reflect on the important places by which they make their everyday travel to and from school. This reflection took place while doing the trip for one week. The results show four continuums:  from the individual to the collective, from past to future, from nature to built and from utility to the existential. These continuums allow for an integration of generally acknowledged components of identity construction in their territorial foundations.