Changing Places Key Terms Test

Location

'Where' a place is, such as by using the coordinates on a map.

Locale

The effect people have on their setting. How the place is shaped by the people, cultures and customs within it.

Sense of Place

The subjective and emotional attachment people have to a place, that may differ from another's perspective.

Descriptive Approach to Place

Idea a world is a set of places. Each place can be studied and is distinct. Links to location

Social Constructionist Approach to Place

Places are a product of a particular set of social processes occurring at a specific time. Links to locale.

Phenomenological Approach to Place

How an individual person experiences place, recognising a highly personal relationship between place and person. Links to sense of place.

Local

An affection for or emotional ownership of a particular place (Nimbyism).

Regional

Consciousness of and loyalty to, a distinct region with a population that shares similarities.

Nationalism

Loyalty and devotion to a nation (patriotism).

Homogenised

Make uniform or similar, indistinctive from other places.

Clone Town

Settlements where the high street is dominated by chain stores.

Placelessness

Being similar to many other places and having no individual character.

Nimbyism

Not in my back yard - objecting to something where you live that you wouldn’t object to somewhere else.

Glocalisation

Modern companies adapting to the local marketplace.

Insider Perspective

The perspective of someone who knows a place well and is familiar not only with its topography but also its daily rhythms and events.​

Outsider Perspective

The perspective of someone who does not know a place well (e.g. a visitor) OR someone who is marginalised in a community, such as the homeless or people from minority groups. ​

Near Places

The area or region near a place, or a place someone has an emotional attachment to.

Far Places

Places that are far away geographically, also known as distant places, or that we have no attachment to.

Media Places

A place that has a meaning for a person as a result of exposure to images and information about that place via TV, radio, print, film or online. Could be fictitious.

Experienced Places

A place in which a person has actually spent time and directly experienced its characteristics.

Genius Loci

The prevailing character or atmosphere of a place.

Topophilia

Love of a place.

Topophobia

Fear of a place.