Meaning & Representation Flashcards
What are the two main ways places are represented?
• Informal representations: Subjective and creative (e.g., art, music, literature, social media).
• Formal representations: Objective and data-driven (e.g., censuses, government statistics).
What are examples of informal place representation?
• Advertising campaigns: Promote locations using visuals and slogans (e.g., “España - I need Spain”).
• Tourist boards: Highlight attractions like heritage sites, nightlife, or natural landscapes.
• Media (films, books, TV): Shape perceptions (e.g., Paris as a romantic city).
What are examples of formal place representation?
• Census data: Provides demographic, economic, and social statistics.
• Government websites: Present official perspectives on population, employment, and infrastructure.
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Maps places using geospatial data (e.g., Google Earth).
What factors influence place attachment?
• Ethnicity and shared culture: Familiarity with cultural groups (e.g., Chinatowns, Polish grocery stores).
• Gender and safety perceptions: Women may feel less safe in certain urban areas at night.
• Stage of life cycle: Young adults prefer city centres, while families/retirees favour quieter areas.
• Memories and residence duration: Longer residence builds stronger attachment.
What is studentification, and how does it affect places?
• Concentration of students in urban areas near universities.
• Leads to changes in housing, businesses, and nightlife.
How do community groups influence place identity?
• NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) protests: Oppose new developments (e.g., housing estates, wind farms).
• Local social organisations: Support residents through food banks, allotments, and safety initiatives.
How do TNCs (Transnational Corporations) challenge national identity?
• Foreign takeovers (e.g., Cadbury taken over by Kraft in 2009, leading to job losses).
• MNC investment in UK industries (e.g., Jaguar Land Rover owned by Tata Motors).
• Raises questions about what “Made in Britain” means in a global economy.
How does Westernisation impact cultural identity?
• Media influence: Disney films and Hollywood shape global culture.
• Food brands: McDonald’s and KFC spread globalised fast-food culture.
• Retail chains: Zara, Apple, and Nike make shopping streets look the same worldwide.
How does multiculturalism affect national identity?
• London’s ethnic diversity (2011 Census: 36.7% foreign-born).
• Migration creates mixed loyalties (e.g., people supporting both England and their ancestral nation in sports).
• Food, language, and religion evolve, shaping identity (e.g., Chicken Tikka Masala as a British-Indian dish).
How do legal systems shape national identity?
• France’s national motto (“Liberté, égalité, fraternité”) unites people under shared values.
• USA’s First and Second Amendments (free speech, gun rights) are central to American identity.
How has British identity changed over time?
• 1900s: Strong regional identities, dialects, and patriotism.
• Today: Many young people see themselves as European or global citizens rather than British.
How has food changed in Britain due to globalisation?
• 1900s: Locally sourced, seasonal foods.
• Today: Greater variety, including spices and international cuisines (e.g., Korean, Indian).
How has religion in Britain changed over time?
• 1900s: High religious observance (Anglican, Catholic).
• Today: More secular society with growth in minority faiths (Judaism, Islam).
