4A.3 past and present shaping economic and social characteristics Flashcards
(12 cards)
what regional influences have shaped the characteristics of Digbeth?
-transport and infrastructure improvements have created new tram, bus, and pedestrian links, connecting Digbeth more closely to the city centre
-events and festivals have strengthened its image as being inclusive, and ethnically diverse
e.g. Pride festivals
-Birmingham’s creative quarter- diversified the economy and attracted young professionals e.g. created creative spaces such as the Custard Factory
what regional influences have shaped the characteristics of Totnes?
-historically shaped by its farming and agricultural economy, market centre for surrounding rural communities
-river dart made it an important trading hub
-arts and spirituality is a theme here
-rural identity
what national influences have shaped the characteristics of Digbeth?
-historically, it was an important industrial and manufacturing hub for metal work etc
-lots of immigration, multicultural
-industrial buildings were redesigned to match national urban trends
-centre for underground music, street art and alternative nightlife + national youth culture movements
what national influences have shaped the characteristics of Totnes?
-transition town movement started here, aimed at local resilience, sustainability and community
-resistance to chain stores e.g. costa
-in-migration from London and the SE, bringing affluence, creative industries and demand for sustainable lifestyles
-bringing gentrification pressures, pricing some locals out
international influences that have shaped the characteristics of Digbeth
-immigration and Irish migration, influenced the culture with pubs, festivals and other events
-rich cultural mix, adding new food cuisines and traditions
-international airport provides link to Asia, the middle east etc, creating global connections
international influences that have shaped the characteristics of Totnes
-birthplace of the global transition town movement- environmentalism
-attracted people interested in spirituality, alternative medicine and holistic health
-local resistance to globalisation- rejecting chain shops etc
-totnes has attracted international migrants drawn by its sustainable and creative lifestyle
-attracts eco-tourists and researchers
how have students and residents in digbeth been affected?
-students have benefitted from the proximity to Digbeth’s creative industries, music and arts events from Universities nearby
-affordable housing as made it popular to students, however gentrification is reducing this
-local communities have began to feel displaced or excluded as rents rise and culture shifts
-HS2 developments have made Digbeth attractive for global tech and creative TNCs
how have students and residents been affected in Totnes?
-students have benefitted from creative and sustainability-focused education
-lack of job opportunities and rising house prices causes students to leave
-local residents appreciate continuity in values and community-led projects, others feel excluded from ‘alternative’ lifestyles
-TNCs are actively resisted against as well as global trade is restricted
how have economic changes in Digbeth influenced people’s identity?
-it has transitioned towards a creative and digital economy
-employment is concentrated in creative industries (e.g. custard factory) and retail
how have social changes in Digbeth influenced people’s identity?
-high deprivations scores in some areas due to limited access to quality housing and lower educational attainment
-the population is mainly students or young professionals
long term residents may feel a loss of place identity, excluded by the new creative economy
how have economic changes in Totnes influenced people’s identity?
-shifting from a market town economy to an ethical, green economy
-more tourism and alternative wellness businesses
-decline in traditional employment- outmigration of young people seeking better jobs
-people can become priced out on housing, feel excluded
how have social changes in Totnes influenced people’s identity?
-in migration of wealthier people seeking an alternative lifestyle
-strong environmentalists
-people feel deeply connected to place identity due to the individuality and distinctiveness of the place
