VÄGFÄRJANS KRITISKA VÄRDEN - Vägfärjans betydelse för uppfattningen om platsidentitet i ett skärgårdslandskap

Abstract

This thesis aims to increase the knowledge on how inhabitants of the Öckerö municipality values their existing ferry connection and why, as well as to find out whether a fixed connection will affect their sense of place. This can then serve as a helpful resource for the conservation practices of cultural heritage in understanding the function of the regular sea traffic in the cultural landscape. The survey shows that the existing connection is significant to the inhabitants perception of local sense of place through aspects associated to security and community, as well as the perceived unique traits of the municipality. The survey also verifies existing research in certain areas, such as the experienced sense of a valuable specific island culture whose protection could be attributed in great extent to the existence of the ferry connection. Part of the experienced cultural value of the ferry connection is related to complex societal issues regarding acceptance and exclusion, but it also holds a historical value which could be a question for the conservation practices of cultural heritage to consider in the preservation of cultural heritage for posterity