Changing places
Nature and importance of places
The concept of a place: location + meaning
Geographical concept of place:
Location- where it is on a map its coordinates
Locale- own unique character and is made up of everyday life activities which may affect our
social behaviour
Sense of place- the subjective and emotional attachment to place we have
Place boundaries:
Some places have clear boundaries
o Boroughs or countries on a map are clear boundaries
Some places do not have clear boundaries
o For example, where does London begin
Importance of place:
Identity can be evident on a number of scales:
Localism- an affection for a particular place
E.g. churches
Regionalism- consciousness of a particular region with a population that shares similarities
E.g. supporting a football team
Nationalism- loyalty and devotion to a nation
E.g. a language or national anthem
Placelessness- suggests that a place is not unique
They are clone towns due to the dominance of chain shops and the little independent
businesses there are
Attachment- grows stronger over time so the more experiences the more likely you’ll attach to it
The greater intensity and number of experiences you have in a place the stronger the
attachment you will have to it
Topophilia- a strong attachment to a place
Topophobia- a dread or adverse reaction to the place
Insider and outsider perspectives of place
Insider- someone who feels socially accepted and comfortable in this place, have visited the place
Outsider- hasn’t visited the place so not had the same experience, also may not feel they fit in
Insider Outsider
Place of birth Born in the UK or their parents Not born in the UK, they are an
were born there immigrant, or their parents
were
Status Permanent resident, holds a Temporary visitor, holds a