Utilising the ‘production of space’ to enhance young people's understanding of the concept of space

This article examines the disconnect that exists between conceptualisations of space in the academic discipline and pre-university geography. Utilising the works of key thinkers on space – including Doreen Massey, David Harvey and Henri Lefebvre – the article argues that exploring the ‘production of space’ in pre-university geography can help to facilitate a richer understanding of the concept of space by young people. To illuminate these discussions, the article draws on data from doctoral research that explored the question ‘what do young people's narratives reveal about their geographies and imaginations of London?'. The article focuses on national identity, generally, and specifically ‘being British’, because the theme emerged during the analysis. The theme exemplifies the rich discourse that the ‘production of space’ can encourage with young people.