Changing places Flashcards
What are the four key aspects that define a place?
Location, locale, physical & human characteristics, and sense of place.
What are the three ways people experience places?
Through insider perspectives, outsider perspectives, and media representations.
What is the concept of a ‘social construct’ in relation to place?
It means that a place’s meaning, reputation, and identity are shaped by society and the people who live, work, and interact there.
How do near and far places differ?
Near places are geographically close, while far places are either physically distant or culturally different.
How does globalisation affect people’s perception of near and far places?
It can blur distinctions, making far places feel closer through connectivity, while near places may feel distant if they lack cultural similarity.
Define space-time compression.
The process where advancements in technology reduce the perceived distance between places.
What is a clone town?
A place where the high street is dominated by chain stores, making it look the same as others
What does glocalisation mean?
When global companies adapt their products or services to suit local cultures, like McDonald’s offering different menus in different countries.
What factors affect whether someone feels like an insider or outsider in a place?
Age, gender, sexuality, religion, race, ethnicity, and physical appearance.
What is othering of space?
When significant minorities influence a place’s identity, like the LGBTQ+ community in Brighton.
How does the concept of gendered spaces influence place?
Architecture and landscaping may consider public safety for women or create areas traditionally associated with certain genders.
What are endogenous factors?
Factors originating within a place, like location, topography, land use, and infrastructure.
What are exogenous factors?
External influences on a place, like migration, money and investment, ideas, and resource flows.
Give an example of an exogenous factor shaping a place.
Polish migration to the UK after 2004 (A8 countries’ EU accession) influenced shops, schools, and services in areas like Streatham.
What is gentrification?
The process where middle-class people move into run-down areas, improving housing and infrastructure, but often displacing lower-income residents.
How does suburbanisation affect a place?
It shifts populations from city centres to the outskirts, often due to overcrowding or poor living conditions in urban areas.
What is regeneration?
Redeveloping and improving an area after economic or social decline, often through government or private investment.
Give an example of a place affected by regeneration.
The London Docklands, where public money encouraged private investment to reverse urban decay.
What is place marketing?
When councils or businesses promote a place through ads, social media, and events to attract visitors or investment.
What is rebranding?
Changing a place’s image and identity to make it more attractive to residents, tourists, and businesses.
What is re-imaging?
Changing the public’s negative perception of a place by focusing on its positive attributes.
Give an example of a place that used re-imaging.
Liverpool, which used its status as the 2008 European Capital of Culture to boost its reputation
How can formal representations of place be biased?
They may use statistics to show certain aspects but can miss the lived experiences or emotional significance of a place.
How did Streatham’s high street change over time?
It went from a bustling shopping hub in the 1950s to a struggling high street in the 1990s, with regeneration efforts in the 2000s.
Where is Streatham located?
Streatham is in South West London, in the London Borough of Lambeth, between Tooting, Balham, and Clapham.
What historical factor influenced Streatham’s suburbanisation?
The expansion of railway lines in the late 1800s, which attracted middle-class residents moving out of central London.
What are the main processes that shaped Streatham’s demographic changes?
Suburbanisation (19th century), immigration (post-WWII), and gentrification (2000s onwards).
How has immigration influenced Streatham’s character?
The area has a diverse population, with Polish supermarkets, East African cafes, and Islamic centres reflecting immigrant influences.
What is an example of a cultural feature in Streatham?
Streatham has hosted the UK’s first supermarket and the famous Locarno Ballroom, which was a major entertainment hub in the 1950s.
What evidence is there of Streatham’s gentrification?
Rising property prices (average £518,860), an increase in chain stores on the high street, and regeneration projects funded by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund.
How did globalisation affect Streatham’s high street?
An increase in chain stores (Tesco, JD Sports, M&S) led to Streatham becoming more of a “clone town,” reducing the number of independent shops.
What is the role of Henry Tate in Streatham’s history?
Henry Tate, a sugar merchant and philanthropist, lived in Streatham and funded a public library, contributing to the area’s development.
What regeneration projects have taken place in Streatham?
The Streatham Leisure Centre and Ice Rink were redeveloped, along with public space improvements like the refurbishment of Streatham Green.
What is the Streatham Society?
A local community group that raises awareness about Streatham’s history and works to improve the quality of life for its residents.
Where is Harwich located?
Harwich is a port town in Essex, on the east coast of England, situated at the estuary of the Rivers Stour and Orwell.
How did Harwich’s historical role shape its identity?
It was a key naval base from 1657 and later became famous for shipbuilding, including the Mayflower, which carried the Pilgrim Fathers to America.
What exogenous factors have shaped Harwich?
Globalisation and the rise of Felixstowe Port (nearby) shifted trade away from Harwich, reducing its economic importance.
What industries dominate Harwich today?
The port is still used for passenger ferries (Stena Line to the Hook of Holland), some cargo, and recently offshore wind farm maintenance.
What are the demographic characteristics of Harwich?
A population of 17,600, with an ageing population (average age 39.8) and little ethnic diversity — 85% of residents were born in the UK.
What is the main form of employment in Harwich?
Semi-skilled or unskilled work in retail, health services, and transport — reflecting the port’s ongoing but reduced influence.
How does Harwich’s deprivation compare nationally?
Harwich ranks in the 10% most deprived areas in the UK, largely due to income, employment, and education-related issues.
What regeneration plans have been proposed for Harwich?
Plans include a £300m new container port (delayed until 2021) and a £132m offshore wind farm base, expected to create 60+ jobs.
How has Harwich promoted its cultural heritage?
The town celebrates its maritime past with heritage trails, the Electric Palace Cinema, and promoting its link to the Mayflower’s voyage.
What local government strategies aim to boost Harwich’s economy?
Tendring District Council encourages inward investment by advertising transport links (ferries and nearby Stansted Airport) and the area’s tourism potential.
What are the main types of regeneration strategies?
Economic regeneration — boosting business, investment, and job opportunities.
Cultural regeneration — using art, culture, and heritage to change a place’s image.
Environmental regeneration — improving green spaces, sustainability, and infrastructure.
Social regeneration — enhancing community facilities and housing to benefit residents.
What is place marketing?
A strategy where a place is promoted like a brand through social media, events, and advertising to attract visitors, investors, or new residents.
What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up regeneration?
Top-down — led by governments or large organisations, often involving major investments and infrastructure projects.
Bottom-up — led by the community, focusing on local needs and grassroots projects
What is a public-private partnership in regeneration?
Collaboration between the government and private businesses to fund and deliver regeneration projects, such as retail developments or housing schemes.
How was the London Docklands regenerated?
The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) used public money to attract private investment, building:
Canary Wharf (business district).
New transport links (DLR and improved roads).
Housing developments like riverside apartments.
What regeneration strategies were used in Liverpool?
Cultural regeneration — 2008 European Capital of Culture status boosted tourism and investment.
Rebranding — revitalising the waterfront with museums and events.
Public-private partnerships — investing in the Ropewalks area for new businesses and creative industries.
What was the Eden Project’s role in regenerating Cornwall?
The Eden Project turned a disused clay pit into a world-famous ecological attraction, creating:
600 permanent jobs (many for previously unemployed locals).
Year-round tourism, reducing the impact of seasonal employment.
£1.1 billion for Cornwall’s economy since opening.
How was Margate regenerated?
Margate used culturally-led regeneration by:
Opening the Turner Contemporary art gallery to attract visitors.
Revitalising Dreamland Amusement Park.
Involving local artists and businesses to promote the town’s creative identity.
What regeneration strategies were planned for Harwich?
A £300m container port project (though delayed) to create 700+ jobs.
A £132m offshore wind farm base to generate employment and attract new businesses.
Promoting heritage tourism by celebrating Harwich’s naval history and links to the Mayflower.
What are the positive impacts of regeneration?
Economic growth (investment and job creation).
Improved infrastructure (transport, housing, and public spaces).
Enhanced reputation and tourism.
Better community facilities (schools, healthcare).
What are the negative impacts of regeneration?
Gentrification can displace lower-income residents.
Conflicts between stakeholders (residents, businesses, government).
Short-term job creation (some projects only offer temporary work).
Environmental concerns (building projects may harm natural areas).
How do different stakeholders view regeneration?
Local residents may welcome job opportunities but fear rising house prices.
Businesses benefit from increased footfall but may struggle with higher rents.
Governments aim for economic growth but face criticism if plans ignore community needs.
What are the range of scales in location
local
regional
national
What is the descriptive approach to place
the idea that the world is a set of places and each place can be studied and is distinct
What is the social-constructionist approach
sees a place as a product of social processes occurring at a particular time
What is the phenomenological approach
interested in the unique characteristics of a place and how individuals experience it in a highly personalised way
