Conviviality, cosmopolitanism and resistance: Politics of hope under a nationalist cloud

• In Event: 40821 - Community and Urban Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 2. Constructing Place Character

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of conviviality, cosmopolitanism, and anti-racism in the context of Skegness, a seaside town in Lincolnshire, England, more readily associated with whiteness, insular Englishness and far-right politics. Drawing on 12 months of ethnographic research, including participant observation, interviews, and discourse analysis, the study challenges the narrative of the English seaside as a predominantly white, racist space. By examining everyday interactions, the paper highlights subtle forms of conviviality and the coexistence of racial diversity in a seemingly homogenous setting. It also reveals instances of progressive resistance against far-right ideologies, particularly concerning the housing of refugees, showing that despite the dominance of nationalist populism, there are local efforts to promote inclusivity and solidarity. The study situates these findings within broader debates about the rise of nationalist populism, particularly in peripheral areas that have been labeled 'left behind.' In doing so, the paper contributes to the literature on conviviality by extending the focus beyond urban multicultural settings and offering insight into the possibilities for cosmopolitanism in less diverse locations. Ultimately, the research presents a nuanced understanding of race, migration, and resistance in small-town England, emphasizing the potential for progressive politics in the face of growing nationalism.

Author

• James Pattison, University of Lincoln