Representaciones sociales sobre interacciones en el espacio público de adultos emergentes y mayores de Cali

Abstract

The objective of this research was to identify the social representations about the social interactions in the public space that a group of emerging adults and older adults have in Cali. The specific objectives were: to describe the information they have about social interactions in the public space in Cali; inquire attitudes about this phenomenon; recognize the representational field they build on this; and learn about social practices when they interact in the public space in Cali. It was found that emerging adults are usually informed of the interactions in the public space of Cali, through social networks, and older adults by radio and television. Attitudes are favorable when public spaces are safe; ambivalent when the public space is near and insecure, and unfavorable when the public space is insecure and far away. Older adults perceive migration as a problem that fragmented the city, and emerging adults, as a positive aspect of Cali. Private space is represented by the older adults as a space of protection, and by the emerging adults as a territory of restriction. Insecurity in both is a normalized threatening situation, and social practices are related to the recognition of others when public spaces are safe, and are avoided when it is insecure.