Avenyn genom öronen En ljudorienterad studie av genus och andra maktordningar på Göteborgs paradgata

Abstract

In this essay, the exploration of sound has been given a central position in participant observation. The issue is to investigate how power relations, normativity, marginalization and the making of space are performed on Avenyn and Götaplatsen in the urban center of Gothenburg. Performativity and the making of differences according to functionality, species, class, age, race, gender and sexuality are explored. The soundscape of the area was found to be generally loud and messy, which makes it hostile to individuals with tinnitus or other sensitivity to sound. Differences in the softness of soundscapes at restaurants were found to stand in relation to prices and exclusivity, which creates class differences according to sound exposure. The sound space of most shops and restaurants was taken up by white, middle- aged, middle-class humans, while some groups outside this norm were heard to instead take up sound space on other local spots in the street. Except for birds, no non-human animals took place in the sound room during the observation, as most of the present ones were dead - prepared for human consumption. Soundscapes by night and day were found to be different. Aggressive expressions of masculinity and homophobia were more frequently heard by night, especially during weekends.