Towards a methodology for constructing local territorial identities

Since the 90s of the last century, a considerable scientific literature has been growing rapidly around the topic of territorial identity on both a theoretical and applicative level, examining case studies on different geographical scales. On the contrary, very few studies have focused attention on the methodological aspects. The development of a reasoned research methodology, discussed and legitimized by the scientific community, would help to avoid the indiscriminate, distorted and instrumental use of the notion of territorial identity, facilitating a conscious and critical use of it. But how can territorial identity be detected? By examining what aspects? With what methods and tools? Starting from a notion of territorial identity as a social construction process, this paper aims at answering those questions with reference to the local scale, first by recalling some shared theoretical understandings in the scientific debate on territorial identity, then by proposing some preliminary methodological indications.