5.2 How Do We Understand Place? Flashcards
(42 cards)
What is the objective meaning of ‘place’?
A place can have an objective meaning such as an address or a set of map coordinates.
What is the subjective meaning of ‘place’?
A subjective meaning refers to aspects of a place that humans have added, such as cultural or political significance.
Places are dynamic- changing in human and physical geography, as well as its meanings.
Creswell (2008)- “ place is a meaningful segment of geographical space”.
How does ‘space’ differ from ‘place’?
‘Space’ exists between places and does not carry the meanings that places do.
Tuan (1977) “space is given by the ability to move, space implies freedom”
What is canters theory of space?
Place is the confluence of activities, space and conception.
How can the North Atlantic Ocean be perceived differently?
For some, it is simply a space to cross, while for others, such as deep-sea fishermen or military personnel, it is a significant place.
What is place perception?
Our culture, personal background and socioeconomic level influences how we perceive/ interpret our local area/immediate environment.
What factors influence perceptions of place?
Key factors include age, gender, sexuality, religion, and role in society.
Our perception will change along the course of our life cycle.
How does age affect perceptions of a place?
Perceptions change as people age; for example, a local park may be seen as a playground by children and a place for sports by teenagers.
Many people move through a life cycle that involves changing their residence and therefore whe they might live. Such moves are often associated with changes to income or family size. When a you person leaves home to set up their first independent household they usually have limited income and dot need much living space so they often live in rented accommodation close to a city centre. This al easy access to employment and services such as bars and clubs. On the other hand, a couple with children might buy a larger house with more space and a garden in the suburbs. In retirement the need for accommodation is reduced and people may regard the peace and quiet as a priority. As a result many retired people may downsize their accommodation or migrate to smaller centres or quieter suburbs
What traditional gender roles influence perceptions of place?
Traditionally, places have been defined as male or female, affecting how men and women move around and use spaces.
A division along gender lines has been most apparent in the separation of public and private places. The phrase ‘A woman’s place is in the home represents a stereotypical image of women that was widespread until the later twentieth century in many Western societies The female private place of the home contrasted with male public spaces, such as factories, offices and many places of recreation. Past photographs of sporting events show overwhelmingly male crowds.
Such divisions among places reflect the way society sees male and female roles. That females were more or less excluded from certain spaces was key element of how males dominated and controlled society.
What is the significance of safety in place perception?
Fear can influence mental maps, leading some to avoid certain places based on perceived safety.
Certain places can be as unsafe and therefore some people avoid these routes, neighbourhoods or places on the basis of their gender Locations that a person would go to during the day might be avoided at other times Places which are isolated or dark and late night public transport can represent a geography of fear for some and may restrict their personal geography especially if on their own. Urban geographies of fear are also influenced by a person’s age and sexuality. Groups such as local politicians, architects and planners are giving the issue of safety a higher priority when making decisions about the layout of places, especially of city centres
How does sexuality influence the use of places?
Sexuality can influence the way in which people use places. As the acceptance of different sexual orientations becomes more widespread some places acquire a meaning because they are where lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender groups (LGBTQ) tend to cluster. In some cities, LGBTQ zones have been identified and mapped.
Certain areas become significant for LGBTQ communities, such as the Castro District in San Francisco, Sexuality can influence the way in which people use places. As the acceptance of different sexual orientations becomes more widespread some places acquire a meaning because they are where lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender groups (LGBTQ) tend to cluster. In some cities, LGBTQ zones have been identified and mapped.
Manchester, Brighton and San Francisco benefit from: LGBTQ tourism as people seek out the places to visit where they can relax and have a sense of security in being openly themselves and enjoy personal geographies not restricted by fears and anxieties.
What is the role of religion in defining places?
People have given locations spiritual meanings for millennia. Some natural landscape features are sacred to certain groups of people. The giant mass of sandstone Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the centre of Australia has a major role in Aboriginal creation stories. These were disregarded by colonising Europeans and the name Ayers Rock came from the Premier of South Australia in the late nineteenth century. More recently, a greater sensitivity towards Aboriginal culture has reinforced the location as one of deep spiritual significance.
Humans have long given locations religious meaning through buildings. Ancient stone circles and megaliths (literally large stones) are found all over the world. Stonehenge was originally built as a wooden structure around 5000 years ago, which was later replaced by stone, much of which survives today.
Locations can have spiritual meanings, such as Jerusalem, which is significant for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Jerusalem, the focus of spiritual meaning for three different but linked religions has become ‘contested space.
Many religious places are associated with refuge peace and healing. People go to practise their religion at various shrines, wells and buildings. One of the most famous places associated with healing is Lourdes, in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the south of France. Some 6 million pilgrims, mostly Roman Catholics, visit Lourdes each year. In the mid-nineteenth century a local young woman experienced visions of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Lourdes became a place where people travel to bathe and/or drink the spring water flowing on the cave where the visions took place, as the water is claimed to have curative powers. Cures are examined by the Church to make sure they are authentic and have occurred solely on the basis of the healing power of the water.
What is the importance of role performed?
The role we have at any one time can influence our perceptions of a location and how we behave For example, you are likely to act in a different way in your local shopping centre when you are with your friends compared to when you are with your parents or even grandparents!
As we go through life we gain and lose roles. And as we change, so do our attitudes and our perceptions of places. An independent twenty year old is likely to view locations differently from the parent of young children. As a parent your perception of potential threats such as traffic may be heightened. In older age your perception of accessibility may be more acute.
Role influences perceptions of fear, insecurity and anxiety, which are then reflected in the ways boundaries are used to include or exclude people and activities. As British towns and cities grew rapidly during the nineteenth century, many residential developments tried to exclude certain types of people from living in them. Most people rented their accommodation and leases contained rules about who could and could not rent certain properties.
What is the emotional attachment to places?
Memory is a personal thing because our experiences are unique to us. Our memories are also highly selective: we remember some things and forget others
Positive experiences can lead to strong emotional attachments to places, influenced by personal and social memories.
What is place attachment?
The multifaceted concept that characterises the bonding between individuals and their important places.
What is the tripartite organizing model?
A 3D framework of place attachment:
- person
- Process
- Place
Who are empty nesters?
Parents whose children have grown up and left home- milestones have been reached here- don’t want to leave.
rooted- emotional attachment
Memorial benches
Home sickness
What is dislocation?
A sense of belonging- emotional detachment.
For example:
- Tenancy- insecure accommodation- less willing to build a relationship
- Lack of community cohesion
What is topophilia and topophobia?
Topophilia- the love of a place- strong emotional attachment.
Topophobia- opposite of this.
These are extreme opinions
What are territorial behaviours?
Graffiti and tagging- gang culture
What is bondedness?
Links and relationships to places
What is a community of interest?
Connected through lifestyle and hobbies
What is a community of place?
eg. religion or pilgrimage
Who are the Kurds?
The Kurds are an ethnic group seeking an independent state, primarily located in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.
Emotional attachment- place doesn’t exist
