suburbs

The Myths and Meanings of Suburbia:
The Idea and Promise of the Suburban Good Life
(working title)

My dissertation project is about suburbia and the good life.

I look at the ways suburbia is imagined, represented and constructed. I investigate suburbia not just as a particular kind of place or space, but as also socio-cultural practices, forms and ideas. I an interrogating what suburbia means.

This research project is a response to the increasing social and cultural crisis and influence of suburbia. Suburban living is increasing in popularity and global scope despite decades of critique that it is an unsustainable lifestyle and built form. Additionally, it is represented in an increasing variety and volume of cultural media.

I interrogate the on-going appeal of the suburbs by considering the 'idea' of suburbia. This idea is imbued with the cultural imagination of the suburbs; the meanings and values the suburbs promise. It offers insight into the changing built environments and relationships that are understood to be suburban.

I am looking at a variety of cultural representations of suburbia, including children's books, graphic novels and comix.