Die Konstruktion von ‚gefährlichen Orten’ in Großwohnsiedlungen: Wohnen ‚Am Südpark’ in Halle-Neustadt

Abstract

The following paper examines how the image of a 'danger zone’ is constructed in the neighbourhood 'Am Südpark' in the large housing estate Halle-Neustadt and how everyday living functions in such a place. The neighbourhood is characterized by a concentration of marginalized tenants and has received media attention in recent years due to rising crime figures. In 2016, it was declared a 'danger zone' by the police and since then, identity checks without any proof of suspicion can be carried out there. In order to investigate the connections between the experience of one's own place of residence and the construction of this place as 'dangerous', I conducted interviews with residents of the neighbourhood. In addition to everyday realities, the analysis of the interviews revealed several contradictions to the theoretical discussion of 'danger zones'. Contrary to the prevailing assumption in the literature, the declaration of 'Am Südpark' as a 'danger zone’ had little impact on the residents. This can be attributed to various explanations, including the neighbourhood’s character as a monofunctional residential area, a lack of scandalization of police interventions, residents being accustomed to the prevailing living conditions, and an increased relevance of social problems vis-à-vis police presence or crime.