Soundscapes of informalities

Abstract

With the growth of children’s population in cities, research on children’s views about their urban lives has gained traction in the literature. Contributing to such a research agenda, this study examines the perception of slum-dwelling Filipino children of their sonic environment, which is an under-researched topic. Analysis focuses on how children’s experiences both create and are shaped by the soundscape of their slum spaces. Drawing from unstructured interviews with Filipino children (aged 9–12 years) in San Jose del Monte City, this study articulates what comprises children’s sonic environment in slums and how they make sense of their soundscapes. Findings suggest that children have a complex sonic relationship with their spaces beyond physical aspects, offering another dimension to thinking about children’s auditory encounters. This work hopes to spark conversations on how soundscapes can inform thinking about and conducting regional studies.