2.2.1 Changing Places Flashcards
How can governments change the demographic characteristics of a place?
Governments can directly affect the demographic characteristics of places. For example, by introducing policies to control population.
In China, the one-child-policy was introduced as a method of reducing rapid population growth, but in France the government introduced incentives for people to have children (such as lower taxes) to increase the birth rate. Both were successful at altering the demographic characteristics of their countries.
How can governments change the cultural characteristics of a place?
Other government policies can control the cultural policies, such as by controlling immigration.
For example, by introducing policies to control population. In China, the one-child-policy was introduced as a method of reducing rapid population growth, but in France the government introduced incentives for people to have children (such as lower taxes) to increase the birth rate. Both were successful at altering the demographic characteristics of their countries.
How can governments change the demographic, economic and social characteristics of a place?
Some government policies can affect the demographic, economic and social characteristics of places.
For example, governments can fund schemes aimed at regenerating run-down urban areas. In 1992 in Manchester, the Hulme City Challenge Partnership rebuilt houses, created a new park, refurbished shopping areas, built an arts venue and a business part. This scheme led to an increase in the population in the area, created jobs, reduced unemployment and increased quality of life for some residents.
How can the decisions taken by TNCs cause a place to change?
Example - Detroit
For example, Detroit in the USA was a major global centre of car manufacturing in the early and mid 20th century, with TNCs such as Ford, GM and Chrysler all located there.
The investment from the TNCs gave the city a massive economic boost – large numbers of jobs were created, many of which offered comparatively high wages.
This altered the demographic characteristics of the city by attracting a large number of migrants, both from the USA and other parts of the world – the population grew to a peak of around 1.8 million in the 1950s.
After the 1950s, many of the manufacturing TNCs closed or relocated factories to places with cheaper labour, such as Mexico. These decisions had a number of effects:.
- Massive population decline – the population of Detroit at the 2010 census had reduced to around 700,000.
- Huge reductions in employment – at the 2010 census, 24.8% of the workforce in Detroit was unemployed.
- Social deprivation – Detroit has some of the highest crime rates in the USA.
How can the decisions taken by TNCs cause a place to change?
Connections between places in the past shape their character in the present, e.g. for centuries London and New York have been connected to each other and other major cities by sea trade routes. These connections helped them to become wealthier, attract more people, and be more closely linked to other cultures. They gradually became world cities – global centres of trade, politics, finance and culture often with huge, diverse populations.
New connections are made between places in the present which can affect their character. E.g. London and New York have made new connections which strengthen their character as world cities – they are now more closely connected through industries such as finance and banking because of the internet and faster air travel.
Give some examples of individuals and groups who are involved in place making.
- Individuals
- Government – Party changes
- Local councils – Change in party governance
- Community groups and religions.
- Pressure groups – E.g. Green Peace
- Large global brands and MNCs.
- Investors
- Foreign investors
Using an example, how does the past development of cities show how their present-day character was created?
Example - Sheffield
- Sheffield was originally located at the confluence of two rivers, near to coal and iron ore reserves – these would have been important factors for the early development of industry.
- During the industrial revolution, Sheffield became a major centre of the steel industry, trading across the world. The work available in the steel industry attracted workers and made Sheffield a major population centre.
- In the last part of the 20th century, many UK cities were heavily affected by deindustrialisation. The steel and mining industries collapsed in Sheffield in the 1970s and 1980s, which resulted in factories being abandoned, mass unemployment and a reduction in population.
- New connections have now added to the character of Sheffield – today it is characterised as a student city, with over 50,000 students in two universities.
What are two case studies that could be used to show agents of change?
- Prince Charles and Poundbury
- Russell Brand and the New Era Estate in Hackney
Prince Charles and Poundbury
Prince Charles is famously outspoken about British architecture. In 1984, he described plans for the new national gallery as a “monstrous carbuncle”.
The design he loathed was dropped.
Prince Charles wrote 10 principles for the design of the buildings and the urban environments.
Russell Brand and the New Era Estate in Hackney
In recent years, local community groups have become a force for change in housing policy in London. They used the power of protests and social media to further the cause. E.g. New Era Estate in Hackney.
Russell Brand was at protests outside of the Westbrook Partner’s officer, who threatened to increase rents in the New Era Estate in 2014.
What is the biggest factors that affects place identity?
Globalisation
What is globalisation?
The increasing interconnection of the world’s economic, cultural and political systems.
What is glocalisation?
When something global is made to feel local to a location.
For example, the McDonalds menu is adapted to include the McAloo Tikka burger in India or the use of Halal meat in the Middle East.
What are clone towns?
Towns where the High Street and major shopping centres are significantly dominated by chain stores – causing them to lose their identity.
- High streets and shopping centres are beginning to lose their identity and are becoming close towns. Some examples of clone towns include Newcastle, Manchester, and Leeds – where their high streets don’t reflect the diversity of the city.
What is the case study for resisting clone towns?
Totnes
