Brent Bell
Dr. Brent J. Bell is an Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire, where he teaches Outdoor Leadership and Management. His academic interests are grounded in a passion for exploring how people connect with each other and their communities. This has led him to research topics such as social support development, the impact of outdoor orientation programs, and the role of reciprocity in everyday interactions. Beyond his university work, Dr. Bell is committed to community engagement, evident in his involvement with local bike groups and his work to promote bicycle safety.
Session
My research explores the principle of reciprocity via pedicab interactions in a small city in the United States through a combination of autoethnographic and ethnographic observations. I examined how offering free pedicab rides influenced social interactions, exploring themes of trust, social capital, and the complex nature of giving and receiving in an urban setting. The findings highlight the potential of small acts of kindness to foster community connections and the challenges of navigating reciprocity in transient public spaces.