IO1.A1: Safe Spaces in everyday life: Coping with
struggle and oppression in everyday life systems

A Report on Focus Groups

This report provides an analysis of both elements: first an overview of the online debate is given and second the focus group “results” are presented.

In addition to the focus groups, one interview was conducted by the Viennese partner with one learner.

The group agreed on a general structure for the data analysis that is based on five very simple questions: the Why, the What, the Who, the Where and the How.

The Why refers to ”Why do we need safe spaces?”, both as educators and as learners, i.e. reasons from daily life of learners and also the difficulties faced by educators as they have to hand over power and change their traditional roles.

The What and the Where consists of what constitutes a safe space; whether it is a real
space, a virtual space or a special kind of relationship within the group and the educator.

The Who addresses the question of who needs a safe space. The Who also asks the question of who decides what a safe space is and for whom, and who has the right to determine the safety of a certain space.

The Where tackles the location of safe spaces. Here we are talking about real spaces, their location, as for example in the statement “in the neighbourhood” – so that they are easy to reach.

Finally, the How refers to the pedagogical work within safe spaces. It brings up the question: how can and should we as educators act within these safe spaces?