Sermaye Biçimi Olarak Mekânsal Sermaye ve Yükseköğretim Mezunu Gençlerin Deneyimleri Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma: İstanbul/Gazi Mahallesi Örneği

Abstract

This study discusses the spatial experiences of young people who lived in Istanbul’s Gazi District during their childhood and early adolescence. We have attempted to understand the relationship that these young people have with the city through the lens of education processes. By examining how the physical location of the schools that these young individuals attended impacts their experiences in the city, we have questioned the spatial dimension of education. Due to the study’s qualitative nature, we employed a phenomenological pattern while developing a semi-structured interview form that was then executed with 13 people between the ages of twenty-three and twenty-nine. Atlas.ti was used to carry out an interpretive phenomenological analysis. The results reveal that schools’ urban location affected participants’ spatial practices, implying a mechanism that shapes participants’ spatial preferences. We also discussed problems pertaining to spatial belonging and social and cultural distance experienced by the participants. The study concludes finding that the mobility provided by education can help young individuals overcome this predicament.