Social psychology in the street: knowing the graffiti practices in the daily dispute for the public space

Abstract

This writing has two main purposes: first, make some initial aproximations from social psychology, and others nearby disciplines, to contribute in understanding of the interaction in public spaces , and second, present partial results of an ongoing investigation. From a qualitative methodology and an ethnographic design, some initial categories about meanings and practices in the public space of young graffiti artists in the city of Puerto Montt are put into dialogue with the way in which these collective action proceedings interact with some institutions and regulations, which seek to regulate the uses and possibilities of inhabiting the city. As a first results, the meanings of update, whitening and recycling can be observed as practices that young people carry out in public spaces and the experience of constant dispute in the interaction between graffiti artists and other inhabitants of the city.