Interconnectedness of Local and Global Perspectives in Geography

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the local and global perspectives in geography, as discussed in the lecture.

What is emphasized in the quote by Allen & Massey (1995)?

The notion of interconnectedness in shaping local and global events.

What is the quote by Allen & Massey (1995) on interconnectedness between the local and global?

“Our everyday (local) world is shaped by changes in other places. In turn what happens locally in our world in some way helps to shape the patterns of events and prospects elsewhere” - Allen & Massey 1995

What are the three persepctives on ‘Local’ and ‘Global’?

• Local-Global ‘Mosaics’

• Local-Global ‘Systems’

• Local-Global as a relational (Crang 2014)

Define the term 'local-global mosaics.'

Considers the global as the sum of various local entities, operating on a hierarchy of scales which influences the level of power (economically and poltically)

• Uniqueness of local entities - Global takes into consideration different local places because each local is unique (economy, culture and environment)

• Hierarchy of scales - the local operates on a hierarchy (result of space being organised into levels) = local, regional, national and global, depending on the level, which influences power and control over global (decisions)

• Use of the term mosaic - main idea is that not all local places are equal = coins the term mosaic because many distinct peices in a mosaic but not all of them are the same size (equal)

Define the term ‘Local-Global ‘System’

Suggests the global system produces local outcomes (global determines local) - This argues the opposite of the ‘Mosaic’ logic

. e.g., Planetary urbanisation (urbanisation that is no longer confined to cities- it has become a global scale because it recognises all levels of space. Urbanisation isn’t just the growth of cities, and migration into cities. It is also a global process, which is the result of capital accumulation/capitalism

What is the dominant factor in that system?

• The global system of capitalism

• Post-colonialism - a new era in which nation states are trying to consolidate themselves, which is highly unstable in some areas

• Patriarchy/Racism - global social problems which are not limited to local spaces, despite some locals experiencing it to a more extreme extent.

Define the term ‘Local-Global as a relational’

This perspective looks at the ongoing making of space through the interactions between all spatial levels. This approach doesnt assume there is a local and global, but proposes that their is neither but rather a dynamic connection between the local and the global

E.g. Simultaneously one could be listening to a lecturer in the room and also talking with someone else online across the globe.

This is a post-modern approach

What evidence by Massey supports the logic of ‘Local-Global as a relational’

“We make space through interactions at all levels, from the local to the global” (Massey, 2004, p1)

Which perspective argues that the global determines the local?

The Local-Global System perspective.

What is an example of a discipline that often adopts the Local-Global System perspective?

Planetary urbanisation.

What are the three perspectives on Local-Global relationships mentioned?

Mosaics, Systems, and Relational.

What does the local-global as a relational perspective propose?

There is no strict separation between local and global; rather, there are dynamic connections between the two.

Provide an example of local-global interaction mentioned in the notes.

A food stall selling Jamaican food in Newcastle.

What critiques exist regarding the 'Mosaic' perspective?

It does not account for complexities of modern interactions, like TNCs and social media.

What is a key characteristic of the Local-Global Systems perspective?

It views local outputs as manifestations of a singular global system.

What does the relational perspective emphasize about local places?

All places have unique characteristics while being interconnected globally.

Why do geographers study the local?

To understand place-specific combinations of people, infrastructures, cultures, and histories.

How does inequality relate to local studies in geography?

Quality of life disparities are often location dependent due to factors like governance and capital flows.

What does Massey describe as valuable about local difference?

Local difference offers diversity and understanding of global policies' varying local impacts.

“Local difference is valuable because it offers diversity” - Massey.

What are the reasons geographers study the global?

To challenge global problems and establish comparisons between global problems and case studies

• some matters are ‘global’ prioroties that need active worldwide public participation and political focus e.g., climate change

What is one global problem that requires worldwide political focus mentioned in the notes?

Climate change.

In the context of the Arctic (Local and Global case study), what global impact does climate change have?

It affects albedo levels, jet streams, and ocean temperatures, influencing sea levels to rise = this has a global impact, by using the global systems approach we can explore this worldwide impact

How do bordering countries respond to ice melt in the Arctic?

They feel the need to protect their territorial claims and shipping routes.

E.g. Russia has shifted both its geopolitical claims and tactics in the face of a state shift in the waters of the Arctic Ocean - interested due to claims on shipping routes that become available due to ice melt

What natural resources are becoming more accessible due to Arctic climate change?

Hydrocarbon resources like oil, gas, and shale.

Why is the relationship between local and global important in Arctic studies?

To understand issues of climate change, oil dependency, and international politics.

What characterised the colonisation of Arctic communities e.g,, Inuit?

Nation-states dividing land traditionally used by indigenous peoples.

What impact does colonization have on Arctic communities?

It greatly affects their nomadic lifestyles and cultural practices.

What is crucial about understanding local changes in the Arctic?

They cannot be untangled from global shifts and complexities.

What was the significant environmental change noted in the Arctic?

Rising sea levels and increasing ice melt.

According to the notes, how does modern geography approach local and global relationships?

By exploring their intertwined nature as co-produced aspects of reality.

What issue does the North-South divide in the UK exemplify?

Economic and social inequality due to disproportionate investments.

What is a popular systems approach mentioned in relation to urbanisation?

Planetary urbanisation.

What approach is described as post-modern in the context of geography?

Relational perspective that emphasizes interactions between local and global.

What quote summarizes the relational approach by Massey (2004)?

'We make space through interactions at all levels, from the local to the global.'

What does the Arctic's local-global relationship allow us to explore?

The interconnected impacts of climate change, resource dependence, and geopolitics.

Name two ethnic groups impacted by colonization in the Arctic.

Inuit and Sami.