Place attachment and digitalisation in rural regions

Birnbaum L, Wilhelm CR, Chilla T, Kröner S (2021)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Pages Range: 189 - 198

Journal Issue: 87

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.09.015

Abstract

This paper reflects on place attachment in times of digitalisation in rural regions. Our qualitative study explores the extent to which and with which characteristics place attachment ‘translates’ into the digital format. The paper analyses 193 digital projects presented in the internet. These cases cover several European countries with a particular focus on Germany. The analysis is based on a three-dimensional framework involving attachment concepts, space/place and digitalisation. From a systematic categorisation of the case studies, six result patterns emerge: Some of them confirm place attachment patterns, which are well known from the debate on ‘non-digital’ place attachment (e.g., the importance of emotions). Other findings show that digitalisation does make a difference, in particular concerning abstract, non-localised spatial references to the rural area. Finally, we deduce some implications from our findings for practical implementation in regional development.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Birnbaum, L., Wilhelm, C.R., Chilla, T., & Kröner, S. (2021). Place attachment and digitalisation in rural regions. Journal of Rural Studies, 87, 189 - 198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.09.015

MLA:

Birnbaum, Lisa, et al. "Place attachment and digitalisation in rural regions." Journal of Rural Studies 87 (2021): 189 - 198.

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