Nimby Case Study
Socio-spatial stigmatization and the contested space of addiction treatment: Remapping strategies of opposition to their disorder of drugs
Abstract
In recent years, the Not-In-My-Back-Yard (NIMBY) phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent with regard to harm reduction sites, addiction treatment facilities and their clients. Drawing from a case study of community conflict generated by the relocation of a methadone clinic into a rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, Canada, this article offers a unique analysis of oppositional strategies regarding the perceived (socio-spatial) ‘disorder of drugs’. Based on interviews with local residents and business owners this article suggests the existence of three interrelated oppositional strategies, shifting from a recourse to urban planning policy, to a critique of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) practice, to explicit forms of socio-spatial stigmatization that posited the body of the (methadone) ‘addict’ as abject agent of infection and the clinic as a site of contagion. Exploring the dialectical, socio-spatial interplay between the body of the addict and the social body of the city, this article …show more content…
Louis looks into NIMBYism through socio spatial stigmatization: spoiled identities and outcasts are put together as a social-spatial infection and contagion. When a specific group is unable to contribute to the economy they are stigmatized. When an individual is homeless it is assumed that they are dependent on the informal economy. Socio-spatial stigmatization: stigma is attached to people and to the place. Because of these clinics those that live within where these clinics are located become associated with it as well. Hence the society’s value will decline. NIMBY phenomenon is greatly related to homelessness shelters and HIV/AIDS, and those who use drugs are neglected in literatures. (socio spatial disorder of
Abstract
In recent years, the Not-In-My-Back-Yard (NIMBY) phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent with regard to harm reduction sites, addiction treatment facilities and their clients. Drawing from a case study of community conflict generated by the relocation of a methadone clinic into a rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, Canada, this article offers a unique analysis of oppositional strategies regarding the perceived (socio-spatial) ‘disorder of drugs’. Based on interviews with local residents and business owners this article suggests the existence of three interrelated oppositional strategies, shifting from a recourse to urban planning policy, to a critique of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) practice, to explicit forms of socio-spatial stigmatization that posited the body of the (methadone) ‘addict’ as abject agent of infection and the clinic as a site of contagion. Exploring the dialectical, socio-spatial interplay between the body of the addict and the social body of the city, this article …show more content…
Louis looks into NIMBYism through socio spatial stigmatization: spoiled identities and outcasts are put together as a social-spatial infection and contagion. When a specific group is unable to contribute to the economy they are stigmatized. When an individual is homeless it is assumed that they are dependent on the informal economy. Socio-spatial stigmatization: stigma is attached to people and to the place. Because of these clinics those that live within where these clinics are located become associated with it as well. Hence the society’s value will decline. NIMBY phenomenon is greatly related to homelessness shelters and HIV/AIDS, and those who use drugs are neglected in literatures. (socio spatial disorder of