Research Plan: Sociological Reasoning and Usage of Graffiti

1.       Brief:

The focus of this project will be on the use of graffiti and its functions in society. Graffiti can be categorised into different types, for example, organised graffiti art, such as murals painted upon public walls; graffiti “tags” – examples of this can include political slogans, sport-related graffiti, or acronyms associated with youth gangs, perhaps used to display gang territories or as a type of recognition system so gang members can identify each other; and graffiti of a delinquent nature, namely, vandalism in public places and sites. These include park benches, bus shelters and public monuments/statuettes.

My aim in this project is to discuss graffiti and the different sociological reasons and uses of graffiti. Ideas such as expressionism, using graffiti as a means of conveying a political or sociological message, or as a form of social identification within their local community and wider society, shall all be examined. Potential reasons for the use of graffiti in this manner shall also be discussed.

2.       Methodological Considerations:

Various articles and books looking at the use of graffiti, as well as articles focusing upon aspects of youth crime, shall be utilised as methods of analysing the use of graffiti in society. The pictures which shall be taken will be examined against various sociological and criminological theories. The results of my findings will be posted on my blog.

3.       Equipment Needs:

The equipment which will primarily be needed is a digital camera to take pictures of the various forms of graffiti.

4.       Sample Considerations:

A sampling of the various types of graffiti will be selected from different areas in the town of Glenrothes, Fife. A stratified sampling technique shall be utilised, in particular, looking at the different graffiti types across numerous geographical areas in Glenrothes, including housing areas across town such as Macedonia, South Parks, Rimbleton and Pitteuchar. Central - more public areas - shall also be examined, such as Riverside Park and the area surrounding the Kingdom Centre. This sampling technique shall aim to understand the various uses of graffiti and the relevance of the setting of the graffiti.

5.       Ethics Issues to be considered:

No major ethical issues will need to be considered in conducting this project. It is, however,  important to ensure that a selection of graffiti photographs are taken over a wide area to provide a useful spread of data to fulfill this project's objective.

6.       Restraints & Issues Expected:  

No major restraints or issues are to be expected in conducting this project.