Key Concepts Flashcards
Ecological Footprint
An estimate of how much land and water resources are needed to meet the consumption level of an individual. . Consumption is normalized as a measure of land area called ‘global hectares’. Comparing with nature’s ability to provide for consumption.
Complementarity
Relationship or interdependence between two places that results in the movement or flow of people, information, resources, chemicals, etc… “supply and demand” “snowbirds”
Place
Locations or spaces that are defined according to their use or meaning to individuals, groups or societies.
Region
Areas that are defined by one or more distinctive characteristics or features.
Formal Region
Uniformity in one or more physical or cultural feature (mountains).
Functional Region
Defined by interactions among places, such as communication or trade.
Vernacular Region
Defined by the widespread or population perception of its existence.
Connectivity
The degree of potential contact or interaction between different locations due to channels or networks of communication and transportation.
Accessibility
The opportunity for interaction between different locations, determined by existing levels of connectivity and the ability of people to take advantage of them.
Territoriality
The delineated area over which an individual or group (from any species) exercises control.
Geographic Imagination
Humans relate not to some real physical or social environment, but to their sensation and perception of that environment.
Discourse
Addresses the relationship between knowledge and power. Truth is not true, but constructed over time. Truth is not absolute. Discursive; narratives or stories we tell ourselves about reality and the nature of the world. Can be collectively imagined. How ideas become widely held, why ideas often rail to reflect reality. Influences how easy or hard it is to enact social change.
Progress
Conveys intuitively the highest values of a society or culture. Can be measured according to technological and scientific advancements, growing production/consumption, and ten hard work. Assumes the existence of a natural evolution of human society/civilization.
Teology
Explaining phenomenon in terms of the final purpose of goal rather than the cause by which they occur. The making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal or perform a specific function.
Sustainability
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Also about the non-material side of life.
