Week 2 Flashcards
What are some psychological effects of urban living, according to ‘The Experience of Living in Cities’?
Urban living is associated with higher stress levels, reduced social cohesion, and increased risk of mental health issues.
How does urban density influence social interactions?
High urban density can lead to crowding, reducing opportunities for meaningful social interactions and increasing perceived stress.
How does politeness manifest differently in urban versus rural environments?
In urban environments, politeness is often more formal and impersonal due to the fast-paced nature and higher population density.
What role does anonymity play in urban politeness?
Anonymity in cities can reduce the perceived need for politeness as individuals are less likely to encounter the same people repeatedly.
What factors contribute to aggression and violence in inner-city areas?
Factors include socio-economic disparities, lack of resources, and environmental stressors such as noise and crowding.
How does environmental design influence aggression in urban settings?
Poorly designed spaces with limited visibility and escape routes can increase the likelihood of aggression and crime.
What is the Broken Windows Theory?
It suggests that visible signs of disorder, such as graffiti or litter, can lead to further antisocial behaviors and crime.
How can cities address the spread of disorder effectively?
Maintaining clean and orderly public spaces and enforcing regulations against minor offenses can reduce the spread of disorder.
What are the benefits of integrating nature into urban environments?
Benefits include improved mental health, reduced stress, enhanced physical activity, and stronger community ties.
What is an example of biophilic design in urban areas?
Green rooftops, urban parks, and vertical gardens are examples of biophilic design that bring nature into cityscapes.
What did the study on crowding in trains reveal about personal space?
Immediate seating density had a stronger impact on stress levels than overall train car density.
How does personal space invasion affect commuters’ stress levels?
Personal space invasion increases physiological stress indicators such as cortisol levels and reduces comfort.
What does the environmental range concept reveal about serial rapists?
It shows that their criminal activities are often confined to familiar areas where they feel a sense of control.
How can understanding environmental range assist law enforcement?
It helps in geographic profiling to predict and prevent future crimes based on past patterns.
What is an example of urban stress caused by noise pollution?
Constant traffic noise in densely populated neighborhoods can lead to sleep disturbances and chronic stress.
How do green spaces help mitigate mental health issues in cities?
Access to parks and community gardens provides residents with a space to relax, reducing anxiety and depression.
What is an example of impersonal politeness in urban settings?
Holding an elevator door for strangers without initiating a conversation demonstrates impersonal politeness.
How does public transport etiquette reflect urban politeness?
Offering your seat to an elderly person or maintaining silence on a crowded subway shows consideration for others.
What urban design features reduce the likelihood of aggression?
Well-lit streets, visible security cameras, and open layouts in public spaces help deter criminal behavior.
What is a real-world example of socio-economic disparity leading to violence?
Gentrification in low-income areas often leads to tensions and conflicts between long-term residents and newcomers.
How did New York City apply the Broken Windows Theory?
By cracking down on minor offenses like graffiti and fare evasion in the 1990s, New York City reduced overall crime rates.
What is an example of disorder spreading in public spaces?
A park with overflowing trash bins often attracts more littering and vandalism over time.
What is an example of urban nature improving physical health?
Cities like Copenhagen encourage cycling with dedicated bike lanes, promoting physical activity among residents.
How do urban forests enhance biodiversity?
Urban forests, such as Singapore’s city trees, provide habitats for birds and insects, fostering ecological diversity.
What is an example of stress reduction in crowded public transport?
Introducing staggered work hours can reduce peak-hour congestion, improving commuter experiences.
How does train design impact commuter comfort?
Providing wider aisles and priority seating areas helps maintain personal space, reducing stress in crowded trains.
How is geographic profiling used in crime prevention?
Law enforcement uses patterns of past crimes to predict the likely area of residence or future activity of a criminal.
What is an example of environmental range limiting criminal activity?
Criminals often avoid areas with heavy police surveillance or unfamiliar terrain, restricting their operational zones.
What role do urban green spaces play in social interactions?
Green spaces provide venues for community gatherings, fostering social ties and reducing isolation in urban environments.
How does air pollution in cities impact cognitive health?
Chronic exposure to air pollution in cities has been linked to decreased cognitive performance and increased risk of dementia.
What is a practical strategy to promote politeness on public transport?
Campaigns like ‘Mind the Gap’ encourage passengers to be mindful of others, fostering polite behavior in crowded systems.
How do cultural norms influence politeness in urban areas?
In some cultures, direct eye contact may be considered impolite in crowded spaces, reflecting differing social norms.
What urban policy interventions can reduce violence in inner cities?
Policies that improve access to education, provide job training, and reduce poverty have been shown to lower violence rates.
How does access to recreational facilities affect aggression levels?
Communities with accessible recreational facilities report lower aggression levels as they provide healthy outlets for stress.
What is an example of how public art reduces signs of disorder?
Street art initiatives, such as those in Melbourne, transform graffiti-prone areas into celebrated cultural landmarks.
How does community engagement combat disorder?
Neighborhood watch programs and community clean-up days increase social accountability and reduce visible disorder.
What is an example of integrating biodiversity into urban planning?
Singapore’s Supertree Grove incorporates living plants into its architecture, promoting urban biodiversity.
How do green roofs contribute to sustainability in cities?
Green roofs reduce urban heat, lower energy consumption, and provide habitats for urban wildlife.
What role does train scheduling play in reducing crowding?
Introducing more frequent off-peak train services helps distribute passenger loads and reduces crowding stress.
How does cultural variation affect responses to personal space invasion?
In some cultures, physical proximity in public spaces is normalized, reducing the perception of personal space invasion.
What is the significance of ‘activity spaces’ in environmental profiling?
Activity spaces refer to areas where individuals feel comfortable and familiar, which often influence their behavioral patterns.
How does environmental range theory apply to other crimes?
It is used to predict likely crime locations for burglary, focusing on offenders’ familiarity with the area.
