Field Observation Research Paper

Skateboard park, urban center

Date and time of your observations: Saturday, 4PM

Why you chose the setting: The setting is close by, but it still offers insight into a subset of youth culture in the city. I have never paid attention to the anthropological and sociological dynamics of a skateboard subculture. I am interested in finding out any patterns or new information.

Description of the setting: The skateboard park is about the size of half a football field. It is large enough that I count roughly fifty people, if not more, present during the time of my observation period. The skateboard park itself consists of concrete shaped and molded so skaters can practice their tricks. The concrete has been painted by artists, who have created an urban aesthetic replete with graffiti-style font and stylized imagery including faces and psychedelic designs. There are some green spaces in the distance, surrounding the skateboard park. A few skaters take breaks and sit under the trees to get out of the sun. There is no music being played publically, although I see the park is set up for music because of the presence of speakers.The only sounds are those associated with the skating itself: the sounds of the wheels rolling and the boards flipping. Occasionally I hear the sounds of people making exclamations about tricks, like "Whoa!" Almost all of the skaters are male. I see about three females running the course during the entire time I was there. There are females hanging out with their male friends, though. Many of the females who have boards are skating around but not doing tricks. The average age would be about 18 or maybe 20. There are a few skaters who look closer to 30 but most are late teens, or early 20s. The style of dress is uniformly casual and does not vary much. Most of the skaters are wearing skater shoes….....