Les adolescentes, tacticiennes de l’espace public : Usages engagés et expériences transgressives des adolescentes dans les parcs de Pointe-aux-Trembles (Montréal)

Abstract

This case study looks at teenage girls as users of public space in the parks of the Pointe-aux-Trembles neighborhood in Montreal. At the intersection of gender and age-related social issues, teenage girls have a very different experience of public spaces than older women or boys their age. Drawing from feminist geographies and the anthropology of communication, we argue that their position requires close attention in order to promote their legitimate place in public spaces and participation in their development. The data come from observations and interviews conducted in the summer of 2019. The study reveals that, on the one hand, teenage girls’ practices in parks are generally social, but that the layout and equipment available do not meet their needs. As a result, they find themselves transgressing norms or being the target of transgressions by other users. However, teenage girls have developed occupancy and interaction tactics that position them as active and experienced users of public space.