IDENTITY AS A WELFARE SERVICE

The temporal nature of Conversation allows us to synthesise a number of theoretical strands. We can state from Lefebvre’s conceptual analysis OF SPACE BEING comprised of i. Perceived Space ii. Conceived Space and iii. Lived Space that the language of the built environment facilitates a dialogue between individuals - as FURTHER DESCRIBED BY THE PHILOSOPHER MARTIN BUBER does THROUGH the triangular relationship OF I, I-It AND I-Thou.

The works of psychoanalyst Winnicott and philosophers Oakeshott, Levinas and Heidegger provide us with temporality - an active function of time accumulating memory and providing for the ongoing development of culture through the motive force of conversation and the provision of witness.

The balance of individual vs societal identity is key to a person’s wellbeing. The welfare state as known today largely came from the work undertaken by civil servant Sir William Beveridge and his report published in 1942. Within that report, Beveridge addressed five areas of concern - or ‘evils’. We suggest to add Identity to these areas of concern.