Public spaces are a common part of our daily routines: we walk along the street, spend time at the local park, or shop and dine along the main road. While in public spaces, we pass by public buildings, posters, street art, and symbols. To what extent does urban space influence our sociopolitical behaviors? ReligSpace investigates this question by focusing on the impact that cultural symbols in the public sphere have on immigrants’ attitudes and behaviors.
Funded by the European Research Council (ERC) [ID 804031], ReligSpace is the first large-scale research project examining the causal effect of exposure to spatial cultural cues on sociopolitical acculturation. We conduct comparative experiments in Tel Aviv, Paris, and London using innovative VR technologies and unique GPS navigation devices.
The project opens new horizons in the understanding of aggregated cultural effects in real-world settings and offers insight into the dynamics that would advance the development of a more inclusive society via nuanced policies and informed urban planning.
