Space and Place Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the key characteristics of space?
Space is home to all things, dynamic, perceived differently, defined through opposites (inside/outside, left/right), and measurable in four dimensions (height, depth, width, time).
Why do geographers reject the idea of space as a passive container?
Space is actively shaped by human activity and constantly evolving rather than being a static background.
Why is it useful to think of ‘time-space’ rather than just ‘space’?
Space is always shaped by temporal change and historical processes, meaning space and time are inseparable.
What is empirical space, and how does it influence our understanding?
Empirical space is measurable and mapped but is subject to changing methods of measurement (e.g., redefining the kilogram, distorted perception from the London Tube Map).
What is flow space, and how does it differ from empirical space?
Flow space is defined by movement and connections (e.g., daily commutes, trade flows), while empirical space focuses on static distances.
How do representations of space shape our understanding?
Media, maps, and censorship influence perception (e.g., TikTok censoring Hong Kong protests, distorted map projections).
What was the goal of spatial science, and how did it shape geography?
To make geography a science using mathematical models and statistics to identify spatial patterns.
What is Tobler’s First Law of Geography, and why is it important?
“Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things.” It explains why proximity influences interactions.
What does Von Thünen’s model predict?
Land use patterns around cities, assuming a flat terrain and profit-maximizing farmers. Closer areas have perishable goods, while further areas are used for bulk production. Weighs the cost of production vs the cost of transport.
What is positivism, and how does it relate to geography?
Positivism relies on measurable, observable data to create scientific models explaining spatial patterns.
What are some critiques of positivist spatial science?
It assumes neutrality, treats people as rational economic actors, and ignores power structures.
How did David Harvey challenge spatial science?
He argued that space is an active force in capitalism, influencing economic inequalities and social struggles.
What did Henri Lefebvre argue about space?
Space is produced under capitalism and reflects social inequalities.
How do unequal social relations shape space?
Space controls people’s lives through architecture (isolated kitchens), policing (racialized surveillance), and commodification (gentrification).
What is humanistic geography, and how does it differ from spatial science?
It focuses on subjective human experiences and emotions rather than mathematical models.
What is Yi-Fu Tuan’s concept of topophilia?
“Topophilia” means the emotional bond between people and places. Space involves movement, while place is about belonging.
How do critical geographers challenge traditional ideas of place?
They argue places are socially constructed, shaped by power relations, and subject to both political struggle and exclusion.
What are the three main perspectives on place in a globalized world?
- Mosaic view – Places are unique, leading to defensive localism. 2. Homogenization – Globalization makes places indistinguishable. 3. Hybrid view (Doreen Massey) – Places are shaped by global and local forces.
What does Stuart Hall argue about British identity?
British identity is deeply connected to colonial history (e.g., tea and sugar trade from India and the Caribbean).
How do space and place relate to each other?
Space is both measurable and relational, while place is particular yet porous. Understanding one requires understanding the other.
