Exploratory walk and local cohesion— the concept and application

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article outlines the concept of an exploratory walk as a method of research and co-creating social cohesion in the local context. The term exploratory walk refers to the mobile participatory research method, which is connecting cognitive aims with practical during the walks in pairs or groups. This method goes beyond the formula of ‘walking interview’, offering the participants an active role as experts or guides in the space familiar to them. The article discusses the following distinguished potentials of exploratory walks: cognitive, emotional, participatory, collaborative and transformative. They are analysed and assessed as possible to use in the study and co-creation of local cohesion, which is defined as ties between inhabitants. These ties are expressed by the ability to launch and develop positive relations, manage and share resources, and regulate the behaviour of co-citizens. Analyses presented here describe this method as promising from the possibility of knowing and strengthening social cohesion on the local scale. The concept is illustrated with an example of research on revitalisation. Moving together in cognised space – as shown in the empirical illustration – stimulates participants to perceive spatial manifestations of local cohesion or its deficits, to involvement, participation, collaboration and acting for change.