Abstract
This paper presents an ethnographic case study of the daily lived experience of place by government health and community workers in a place-based chronic disease initiative (PBI) located in a disadvantaged peri-urban area in Australia. The case study focused on the place at which the PBI staff members interfaced with the community informally as opposed to the deliberate interactions described in the formal community engagement strategy. Subtle social phenomena, such as social positioning and the contrasting cultures of bureaucracy and community, generated outcomes that were the antithesis of those sought by the PBI. If these characteristics of place are not attended to during the development of PBIs, we risk recreating existing social divides and jeopardizing the potential of these initiatives to build community capacity. This case study provides an important conceptual-theoretical understanding of the place-based approach, which can augment existing empirical studies of place. The findings are also relevant for those who are exploring the physical co-location of diverse professional groups in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. It also exposes the inherent complexity of “place” and the futility of poorly designed bureaucratic responses.
Highlights
The district manager of the government health district is sitting working in his office
A female researcher and a female government employee are walking to their car following a meeting at the government office, which is located in the same building as several community services
I draw on a range of theoretical concepts from existing literature to aid in interpreting the phenomena encountered during the case study that may in turn usefully inform future place-based chronic disease initiative (PBI) (Farmer, Munoz, & Threlkeld, 2012: p. 185)
Summary
The district manager of the government health district is sitting working in his office He hears a commotion and yelling from outside the eastern wall of his office which is made entirely of glass and partially covered by blinds. A female researcher and a female government employee are walking to their car following a meeting at the government office, which is located in the same building as several community services (i.e., child protection, probation and parole, rehabilitation, and employment services) As they walk to their car, they see a group of young men in “street” clothing leaning against a brick wall talking. A female researcher, a government health promotion officer and the PBI Manager are conducting formal interviews for a team leader position in the PBI when a child screams. I draw on a range of theoretical concepts from existing literature to aid in interpreting the phenomena encountered during the case study that may in turn usefully inform future PBIs (Farmer, Munoz, & Threlkeld, 2012: p. 185)
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