Them and us : in the context of change

Abstract: This master’s thesis presents a study which proposes that debate and conflict in any planning process highlight a separation between actors and their interests. This is examined through the concept of them/us. Existing theory of urban and regional planning describes a recurrent misunderstanding in planning practice where debate and conflict are interpreted as destructive. Through governing, actors with power have a tendency to suggest that all involved actors should reach a consensus in order to overcome expressed differences. However, this kind of governing does not encourage dissent and therefore leads to unfair planning processes. The aim of the study is to develop an understanding of them/us and to study how the acknowledgement of this concept can contribute to planning processes by addressing the following research question; How can the concept of them/us contribute to the planning process? The interdisciplinary study is conducted with support from a literature review and a case study, and the conclusion highlights that them/us contribute to the planning process by acknowledging the richness of diversity.