Citation

Garcia LM. Ann. Leis. Res. 2018; 21(4): 462-479.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/11745398.2017.1398097

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Nightlife venues frequently find themselves in conflict with competing interests in and uses of urban space, and it is a rare occasion when municipal government or law enforcement comes to their defence. This article examines the role of conflict in the ongoing development of urban nightlife scenes, drawing on two contrasting case studies that took place in the autumn of 2016: the forced closure of Fabric nightclub in London and the recognition of Berlin nightclub Berghain as a 'cultural centre' by regional financial courts. The analysis proceeds through a theoretical framework that combines Gregory Bateson's notion of schismogenesis with Chantal Mouffe's agonistics. The former highlights how contention between groups mutually shapes their identities and social roles, while the latter draws attention to the animosities that arise within pluralistic societies as well as to how such tensions may be managed through political institutions. Both case studies demonstrate how various stakeholders in nightlife scenes tactically adjust their practices in ways that respond to, anticipate, and often avoid open conflict. In certain instances, new roles and procedures are developed to defuse tensions and redirect them towards more productive negotiations between nightlife venues, partygoers, municipal authorities, and local residents.

Language: en

Keywords

agonistics; dance; gentrification; nightlife; Politics; schismogenesis