I was approached at a recent Moseley Farmers Market by two young women (happens all the time) who asked if I could help them with some research.
Turns out they were students asking questions about people’s percceptions of Moseley on behalf of Moseley Community Development Trust (CDT). The subjects sovered what shops would you like to see, how could we improve, general qualitative stuff.
But one question stood out for me. “Do you have a negative perception of Moseley nightlife,” they asked.
(Before I rant – I know little of the CDT; it seems to be engaged in some really positive work, and I support its work and objectives as a whole. I’m probably over-reacting, but then it is a blog.)
Now this question is wrong on lots of different levels.
One, it’s a leading question, in the spirit of ‘when did you stop beating your wife’. There’s no real right answer. It leaves little room for an informed debate about what Moseley represents to the local community and wider user base.
Two, it disregards the efforts of an active and engaged nightlife community that week in, week out, bring hundreds of people into Moseley and cement its reputation (rightly or wrongly) as an interesting place with a vibrant community.
And three, it reinforces a perceived gap between old and young (rich and poor? homeowners and tenants?) in Moseley; that there’s an active and creative population who are almost at odds with an older, more established, more ‘conservative’ community.
Now I don’t know the full background to the survey. The question may have been the students’ own, so I shouldn’t be too harsh. But it shouldn’t be included in a survey by a community group. Better to have a series of focus groups with the stakeholders, for example. More relevant research methods would allow for a better view of the perceptions of Moseley nightlife.
And the perceived gap between old and young is an interesting but ultimately empty opinion. People from different backgrounds often have different views on life, even have a different language, and it’s only a question of communicating in each others language to find common ground. If you think it’s real, then it is, but if you think it isn’t, it isn’t. It’s a personal opinion. If you think it exists and it upsets you, do somethiing about it.
Anyway, what really disappoints is the feeling that the survey question was there for the sole purpose of allowing someone to say that ‘there is a negative perception of Moseley nightlife’. That’s not a community survey, that’s a witch hunt.
Moseley is a great place – one of the best in Birmingham. But if it is to continue, then the whole community needs to support each other. From pubs, shops, restaurants and businesses, we are a community made up of different people with different views. Why try create a sense of negativity? Help each other. Or people will just pack up and leave, harming the community for years to come.
#1 by Annette Naudin on March 17th, 2009 - 2:09 pm
Useful comments. Thanks.
Though I am on the board of CDT I dont know that much about this survey or the students who got involved. But as an organization, CDT is keen to get community feedback so I’ll make sure this feeds into our discussions.
And do get in touch with CDT if you want to know more – it is a very small organization and is here to serve the community so we are always keen to engage with anyone who feels strongly about Moseley developments.
#2 by Rob Benson on March 18th, 2009 - 10:35 pm
Thanks Annette, will do; from what i’ve heard and seen, the CDT is doing a great job. I suppose the survey touched a nerve that’s all. would welcome the opportunity to contribute to our diverse community.