Conceptualizations of Culture and Identity in Regional Policy

Abstract

The author explores how categories such as ‘culture’ and ‘identity’ are conceptualized by decision makers in two northern European regions. On the basis of empirical material from the two regions, the author concludes that the understanding of regions as competitors in a global race for economic growth has fostered the stereotypification, commodification and stratification of categories such as ‘regional culture’ and ‘regional identity’. It is suggested that contemporary ways of conceptualizing ‘regional culture’ and ‘regional identity’ contribute to an ongoing building of regional spaces. It is also suggested that these conceptualizations contribute to a ‘purified’ imaginary geography in which there is little room for ‘non-regional’ expressions of culture and identity.