USED OF PUBLIC SPACE (SOCIOLOGY), CLASS 12 CBSE SOCIOLOGY PROJECT

 CLASS 12 CBSE SOCIOLOGY PROJECT

TOPIC: USED OF PUBLIC SPACE (SOCIOLOGY)

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Sociologists have long emphasized that public spaces are at the core of social and community life. They are not just physical locations, but also social arenas where people interact, exchange ideas, and create shared meanings. Jürgen Habermas introduced the idea of the public sphere, where public spaces serve as platforms for dialogue, debate, and the exercise of democracy. In this sense, parks, markets, and streets become more than mere spaces—they act as foundations for civic participation and collective identity. Jane Jacobs, an urban sociologist, argued that well-used streets and open areas contribute to urban safety and social cohesion by encouraging natural surveillance and community bonding. Public spaces also hold strong connections with equality and inclusion, as they are accessible to all, regardless of class, age, or gender. Thus, sociological literature views public spaces as vital elements that promote democracy, social harmony, and community well-being.

METHODOLOGY

The study on the use of public spaces was carried out using a mixed-method research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of how people engage with public spaces, why they use them, and what challenges they face.

1. Research Design

A descriptive and exploratory design was adopted. The descriptive aspect helped to present factual information, such as the frequency and purposes of space usage, while the exploratory aspect allowed the researcher to study underlying social patterns, perceptions, and experiences associated with public spaces.

Methods of Data Collection

1. Observation: Systematic observation was conducted in public areas such as parks, marketplaces, bus stands, and playgrounds. This method helped in recording people’s activities, patterns of social interaction, and the level of community participation.

2. Survey: A structured questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data from residents. Questions focused on the frequency of visits, primary purposes of using public spaces, and difficulties faced.

3. Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with selected participants (such as shopkeepers, students, women, and elderly people) provided deeper insights into the significance of public spaces in their daily lives.

Tools Used

• Questionnaires for collecting structured responses.

• Field Notes to record observational data and key insights during visits.

• Photography (with permission) to visually document the condition, accessibility, and organization of public spaces.

DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS

The data for this project was collected through a combination of surveys, observations, and interviews across 3 villages. A total of 3 participants representing different age groups, genders, and occupations were included in the study. This ensured diversity and provided a holistic picture of how public spaces are used in community life.

Appendix – Survey Questionnaire

Topic: Use of Public Spaces

1. Demographic Details

   • Name (optional): _____________________

   • Age: ____

   • Gender: Male / Female / Other

   • Occupation: _____________________

2. Do you regularly use public spaces in your village/town?

   • Yes / No

3. How often do you visit public spaces?

   • Daily / Weekly / Occasionally / Rarely

4. Which type of public space do you visit the most?

   • Park / Playground / Market / Community Hall / Others (specify)

5. What is your main purpose of visiting public spaces?

   • Relaxation / Socializing / Market activities / Religious or cultural gatherings / Others

6. At what time of day do you usually use public spaces?

   • Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Night

7. Do you feel safe in public spaces, especially at night?

   • Yes / No / Sometimes (Please explain)

8. What problems do you face while using public spaces?

   • Poor cleanliness / Lack of facilities / Safety issues / Poor lighting / Limited accessibility / Others

9. Do you think public spaces in your area are inclusive (accessible to women, children, elderly, and differently-abled people)?

   • Yes / No / Partly

10. How important are public spaces for your daily life and social relationships?

• Very important / Somewhat important / Not important

11. In your opinion, who uses public spaces the most in your community?

• Children / Youth / Adults / Elderly

12. What improvements would you suggest to make public spaces better?
    (Open-ended) __________________________________________

Appendix – Sample Survey Responses

Survey Questionnaire on Use of Public Spaces

Respondent 1

• Name (optional): Regina Darlong

• Age: 16

• Gender: Female

• Occupation: Student

1. Do you regularly use public spaces? → Yes

2. How often do you visit public spaces? → Daily

3. Which type of public space do you visit the most? → Playground

4. Main purpose of visiting public spaces? → Sports & hanging out with friends

5. Time of visit? → Evening

6. Do you feel safe in public spaces at night? → Sometimes (not enough lights in playground)

7. Problems faced? → Lack of lighting, cleanliness issues

8. Are public spaces inclusive? → Partly (girls feel less safe in evenings)

9. Importance of public spaces? → Very important (helps in meeting friends and staying active)

10. Who uses public spaces the most? → Youth

11. Suggested improvements? → Better lighting, clean toilets, separate sitting areas for girls

---

Respondent 2

• Name (optional): Anil Debbarma

• Age: 45

• Gender: Male

• Occupation: Farmer

1. Do you regularly use public spaces? → Yes

2. How often do you visit public spaces? → Weekly

3. Which type of public space do you visit the most? → Market

4. Main purpose of visiting public spaces? → Buying & selling crops

5. Time of visit? → Morning

6. Do you feel safe in public spaces at night? → No (markets close early, unsafe after dark)

7. Problems faced? → Poor maintenance, garbage not cleared on time

8. Are public spaces inclusive? → Yes, but not friendly for elderly people

9. Importance of public spaces? → Very important (main source of livelihood)

10. Who uses public spaces the most? → Adults

11. Suggested improvements? → Better waste management, proper sheds in market area

---

Respondent 3

• Name (optional): Sri John Darlong

• Age: 68

• Gender: Female

• Occupation: Retired govt. employee

1. Do you regularly use public spaces? → Yes

2. How often do you visit public spaces? → Occasionally (2–3 times a week)

3. Which type of public space do you visit the most? → Park

4. Main purpose of visiting public spaces? → Relaxation, meeting other elderly women

5. Time of visit? → Morning

6. Do you feel safe in public spaces at night? → No (do not go out at night)

7. Problems faced? → Broken benches, no proper walking paths

8. Are public spaces inclusive? → Partly (not enough facilities for elderly and disabled)

9. Importance of public spaces? → Important for socializing, reduces loneliness

10. Who uses public spaces the most? → Children & Youth

11. Suggested improvements? → Repair benches, plant more trees, clean drinking water facility

Summary of Survey Responses

Age Group	Gender	Most Used Public Space	Main Purpose	Problems Faced	Importance Level	Suggested Improvements
16 (Youth)	Female	Playground	Sports, hanging out	Lack of lighting, cleanliness	Very important	Better lighting, toilets, seating for girls
45 (Adult)	Male	Market	Buying & selling crops	Poor maintenance, garbage issues	Very important	Waste management, sheds in market
68 (Elderly)	F emale	Park	Relaxation, socializing	Broken benches, no walking paths	Important	Repair benches, plant trees, drinking water

DATA ANALYSIS

1. Purpose of Public Space Usage

• Youth (16 years): Mainly use playgrounds for sports and hanging out with friends. This shows that public spaces help young people develop physical health, teamwork, and social bonds.

• Adults (45 years): Predominantly use markets as public spaces for economic and social activities. This indicates that public spaces are crucial for livelihood, trade, and maintaining community networks.

• Elderly (68 years): Prefer parks for relaxation and socializing. It highlights the importance of public spaces for mental well-being, leisure, and companionship in old age.

Interpretation: Public spaces serve different functions for different age groups, ranging from recreation to livelihood and mental health support. This proves their multi-dimensional social role.

2. Problems Faced

• Youth: Reported poor lighting and lack of cleanliness in playgrounds. This raises concerns about safety and hygiene, especially during evening hours.

• Adults: Highlighted garbage and poor maintenance in markets. This points towards inadequate waste management systems and lack of proper facilities.

• Elderly: Faced issues like broken benches and absence of walking paths. This reflects poor infrastructure and limited age-friendly design.

Interpretation: Each age group faces unique challenges, but all relate to lack of proper maintenance and planning. This shows that while public spaces are important, their neglect reduces their effectiveness and accessibility.

3. Overall Trends

• Public spaces are universally valued but differently used across age groups.

• Cleanliness, safety, and infrastructure are recurring concerns, showing the need for better management.

• Gender aspects also emerge (though not fully captured in sample data)—women, for instance, may face higher safety concerns at night.

CONCLUSION

The study of public spaces across five villages reveals that such spaces play a vital role in community life, though their use and significance vary by age group. For youth, they provide opportunities for play, sports, and socializing; for adults, they function as centers of economic and social exchange, especially markets; and for the elderly, they serve as places of relaxation, companionship, and mental well-being.

However, the research also highlights significant challenges. Issues such as poor cleanliness, inadequate safety (especially for women and youth), lack of proper maintenance, and insufficient infrastructure for the elderly limit the inclusiveness and effectiveness of these spaces. These shortcomings suggest that while public spaces are essential for social interaction, cohesion, and equality, they are often neglected in planning and management.

From a sociological perspective, public spaces embody the principles of equality and inclusion, offering platforms for people of different classes, genders, and ages to interact. To preserve their value, efforts must be made to improve their safety, accessibility, and facilities. Strengthening public spaces ultimately strengthens community life, social bonds, and democracy itself.

Suggestions / Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following suggestions can help improve the use and effectiveness of public spaces:

1. Improve Cleanliness and Maintenance

   • Regular cleaning, proper waste disposal bins, and better management of garbage are necessary to keep spaces hygienic and usable.

2. Enhance Safety Measures

   • Install proper lighting in parks, markets, and playgrounds to ensure safety, especially for women and youth during evenings.

   • Introduce community policing or security personnel in crowded areas.

3. Develop Age-Friendly Infrastructure

   • Provide benches, walking paths, and shaded areas for the elderly.

   • Ensure playground equipment is safe and well-maintained for children.

4. Encourage Inclusivity

   • Design public spaces to be accessible for differently-abled individuals.

   • Promote women-friendly spaces to reduce exclusion caused by safety concerns.

5. Promote Community Participation

   • Involve local communities in planning, maintaining, and monitoring public spaces to create a sense of ownership and responsibility.

6. Increase Facilities

   • Add drinking water facilities, toilets, and seating areas to make public spaces more user-friendly.

   • Encourage multipurpose use of spaces for cultural events, community meetings, and educational activities.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Giddens, Anthony. Sociology. 7th Edition, Polity Press, 2013.

2. Jacobs, Jane. The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Random House, 1961.

3. Habermas, Jürgen. The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. MIT Press, 1991.

4. IGNOU Study Material for Sociology (Class 12 reference).

5. NCERT. Indian Society. Class 12 Sociology Textbook, NCERT, 2007.

6. Articles on community and public spaces from The Hindu and Times of India (2023–2024).

7. Websites:

   • www.unhabitat.org (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

   • www.researchgate.net (selected articles on public space and society