The appearance of the correlations between noise pollution and social conflicts on mental maps on the example of Szeged

Noise nuisance is a complex problem of modern cities, which has objective, measurable parameters as well, but there is an “experienced”, subjectively perceived phenomenon for the individuals and society for the disturbing effect of noise. We seek to answer the question: how is noise experienced by the population of Szeged, what social conflicts can be identified and what spatial differences can be observed across the city. It can be concluded that the experienced noise nuisance is concentrated within the city centre, but its effects are felt in more remote areas. Recreational noises are the most disturbing for respondents. Broader contextual social discourse is formed after the perception of sound effects (as noise), which becomes a source of stereotypes and prejudices, against groups of different social status and age. The research highlights that the approach to noise nuisance can be interpreted in conjunction with other social problems, and in most cases pre-existing conflicts are expressed in noise-related conflicts.

Keywords: mental mapping; social conflict; noise perception, noise exposure

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