Paper short abstract:

Light and air are phenomenon we need in order to exist. Deprivation of either is known to be used as torture. This presentation will illustrate ventilation as the profound secret of existence (Sloterdijk 2004) and light as the basis for feeling at home in the world. Focus will be on periods of transition in people's homes where both light and air seemed to become more important.

Paper long abstract:

This paper presents research results of two very common everyday life practices at home: The use of artificial lighting and the use of fresh air from the outside and into the home - the status people assigned to artificial lighting and air from the outside and into the home, situations of use and how/when sociality in actions relating to light and air appeared. Practices of lighting and ventilating the home turned out to be embodied, social and negotiated activities, enacted as firm sets of 'natural' behaviors. Some of the performed actions represented transitions that reflected other issues than those concerning air and lighting, dealing with identity formation and role shift, and significant for a social understanding of the practice.