Cycling, identity, stigma paper
I have had lots of requests for this paper after mentioning it on the blog. Having checked with the publisher, I realise that I am allowed to post a version of the article online now. This is the pre-peer review version so the one eventually published in Mobilities (hopefully in May/June) will be slightly different. Please click here to download the pre-print.
Incompetent, or too competent? Negotiating everyday cycling identities in a motor dominated society
Abstract:
This paper uses the concept of stigma to explore cycling identities in the UK. Drawing on interview data, it argues that people who cycle are caught between two threats: appearing too competent as a cyclist (a ‘proper cyclist’), and appearing not competent enough (a ‘bad cyclist’). Strategies of identity management are discussed, which can include elements of negotiation, disavowal, and challenge. The paper aims to show that transport modes can produce disadvantaged and stigmatised social identities: like other forms of stigma these are mediated both by social environments and by other social identities. Implications for policy and advocacy are suggested.