Chapter 7: Geographies of Identity and Difference

what is the cultural turn

suggests both a different understanding of culture and an increased appreciation of the importance of culture in understanding humans, their similarities and differences and their political and economic activities

what is critical geography

moving beyond description and explanation to become ‘emancipatory’ - focus on liberation or giving freedom to a group/population

what is iconography

the description, study and interpretation of visual images to uncover cultural meanings, understandings and values

• these make up cultural identity which is expressed through symbols that are very often part of or ‘in’ landscapes we live in everyday

give an example of iconography

hamilton ontario - from steeltown to the hammer

• blue collar industrial city

• seen by others as unsophisticated, dirty and smelly - opposite of nearby toronto

• economic decline as heavy manufacturing globalizes around 1980s-2000s

modern hamilton’s imagery

• now more creative energy, vibrant institutions, renewed neighbourhoods attract foodies, artists, boutiques

• reconnection to natural landscapes - niagara, lake ontario

what is power

the capacity to affect outcomes; the ability to dominate others via violence, force, manipulation and or authority

• ability to control resources

what is cultural hegemony

domination or rule maintained through ideological or cultural means usually achieved through social institutions

how does cultural hegemony function

by framing the worldview of the ruling class and the social and economic structures that embody it, as just and legitimate and designed for the benefit of all; rest of society interprets their interests through this lens

what is gender

socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions and identities

• influences self perception and by others

• behaviour and interactions

• distribution of power and resources in society

what is sex

set of biological attributes

what are gender queer identities

transgender, agender, non binary

what is cisgender

sex at birth and gender identity align

what is orientation

primary romantic/sexual attraction to one or more sexes and or genders (if any)

what is gender expression

ranges from ‘hyper’ masculine to ‘hyper’ feminine

• inds whether identifying as straight or queer, express a mix of masculinity and femininity

• expression not an indicator of sexual orientation

what is gender fluidity

identity and or expression variable; not identifying with single, fixed gender

what is gender questioning

someone reassessing their orientation, gender identity, or both

what is heternormativity

assumes/enforces gender binary. heterosexuality as (enforced) norm. assumes sex, orientation, identity and expression all must align. creates/enforces a social hierarchy: condones discrimination, stigmatization and violence

what is feminist/gender geography

research on production of difference in spaces and places through social construction of gender norms, roles, identities etc

what does feminist/gender geography focus on

spatial nature of social, economic and political systems that differentially affect the lives of men, women and non conforming persons

what are examples of feminist/gender geography

access to work, wealth, power and status = different experiences of/relationship to public and private space; persistent gendered power geometry

what is an example of a gendered space

the walmart toy aisle

how are everyday spaces influenced by gender and sexuality

they are infused with normative (socially accepted) versions of gender and sexuality, shaping how people behave and are perceived

what are examples of safe everyday spaces for inclusion

social media platforms, communication spaces like tv and film, and community groups that promote acceptance

how do inclusive spaces challenge the status quo

they disrupt restrictive and dehumanizing norms about gender and sexuality by promoting visibility and diversity

what do landscapes reflect regarding gender

power inequalities between genders in society

how do modern economic and social structures relate to gender

they define and enforce gender roles

what does suburban geography illustrate about gender in the landscape

it separates private, reproductive and unpaid work from public, productive and paid work

why is the continuation of suburban development significant

it reinforces traditional gender divisions despite social change

how does marketing contribute to gender inequality in landscapes

it targets audiences based on outdates gender stereotypes, reinforcing traditional roles

how do shopping geographies reflect gender roles

they shape who is seen as responsible for shopping and reflect gendered behaviours

what general trend is seen in many more developed countries (mdc’s) regarding gender and sexuality

there are growing patterns of acceptance

how is same sex marriage increasingly viewed in many societies

as a human right

how many countries is same sex marriage currently legal

36 countries

what progress has been made regarding gender identity in official recognition

some countries have introduced a third gender option on IDs and in official statistics

how many countries still criminalize homosexuality

around 64 countries

how challenges do lgbtq people continue to face globally

homophobia, prejudice, discrimination and violence

what major event is expected in the US in 2025 regarding lgbtq rights

the supreme court is set to consider repealing marriage equality

what is gendered power geometry

live within assumptions about women’s and men’s “places” in communities, organizations and the relationships within which we live and work

what does gendered power geometry encourage us to question

the ways spaces and places are experienced differently by people of different genders

How are spaces associated with gender in gendered power geometry

Spaces are linked to the presence or absence of different gender groups

• actual plurality of masculinities and femininities

• local gender cultures

• fluidity and a ‘stickiness’ of gendered and place based roles, relations and identities

what is the sense of spatial restriction refer to

feeling limited or aware of one’s body and safety in certain spaces due to gendered expectations

what is the evaluative gaze

the feeling that a space is not your own, that your are being judged, out of place or possibly unsafe

what is wellbeing

a good life, being one’s true self, state of feeling good - positive v negative affect = underlying feeling, emotion, attachment or mood

what is wellness

practicing healthy habits for positive physical and mental health outcomes, thriving not just surviving

what is hedonic wellbeing

happiness; pleasure based

• ind. and collective action to create greatest happiness

• sought by all, but highly individual in environmental experience

what is happiness

a mental or emotional state defined by positive, pleasant emotions

what is eudaimonic wellbeing

satisfaction and meaning based

• processes and/or envr that (re)enable self fulfilment, deep meaning and purpose:

• social and economic welfare and development

• social justice and equality concerns; causes larger than the individual

• connection through creativity and self expression

what are places/spaces of wellbeing (human geography focused)

where inequalities in consumption, in access to services and standard of living are minimized or (largely) eliminated

• focus on social and spatial justice/equity

what are places of wellbeing (natural)

where air and water quality is high, exposures to risks and nuisance are low

• where the therapeutic virtues of landscapes are widely available and protected

• e.g., access to parks and other green spaces

what are places of wellbeing (groups)

where vulnerable groups are cared for, respected and their rights protected

• e.g., the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, new immigrants, queer community, persons who are homeless

• focus on quality of life, social connection and human rights

• e.g., community gardens

what is welfare geography

approach that documents (where?) and explains (why there?) spatial variations in resources and opportunities

what does welfare geography apply to

health, poverty alleviation, social programs for specific development populations, e.g., elderly, families with young children

what is geography of social welfare

research studies focus on geographic variations in accessibility of health care services

• e.g., physical access to hospitals, physicians, air ambulance, eldercare, etc

• rural, urban or regional variations (gaps in service)

• needs of social groups: the elderly women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities etc

what is the geography of homelessness

landscapes of stigma and despair - mental illness, addiction, poverty, racism

those who populate these landscapes regularly cope with the risk/fear of violence

what was the winnipeg street census 2024

• 2,469 homeless surveyed nov 2024

• around 80% unhoused population are indigenous; less apt access shelters due to discriminiation

• over 50% had past cfs inolvement

• nearly 68% chronically homeless (6 months +/year)

• low income, evictions and discrimination most cited cause of homelessness

• estimated that 150,000-300,00- people in canada are experiencing homeless. between 25-50% have a mental health problem or illness

what are folk culture regions

areas dominated by small, homogenous, usually marginalized cultural groups; often rural

• distinctive ethnic backgrounds: religion, language, foods, music, occupations

• tend to resist change; strong traditional social and family relations and strong sense of place

what’s an example of a folk culture region

amish/old order mennonite (anabaptist) communities in rural areas of USA and canada

what are the old order ‘swiss’ mennonites

• swiss german heritage; speak plautdietsch (low german) dialect

• reject most modern technologies but varies by community

• simple life of work; freedom from temptation to be closer to god

• largest population in canada in southern ontario - near kitchener and waterloo

• conservative and modest dress, distinctive foods

• community over individual

• farming society

• farmers’ markets - high quality, organic produce

what is popular culture

• practices, attitudes, belief and preferences held by large numbers of people: mainstream society

• mass appeal and accessibility

• associated (initially) with more developed, more urban areas and societies

what are cultural products of popular culture

music, fashion, film, cyberculture

how do trends diffuse in popular culture

through major media outlets

when was the term ‘popular culture’ first used

mid 19th - cultural traditions ‘of the people’; sometimes seen as ‘low brow’

• e.g. tik tok trends, pop music

what is official culture

culture of the state (government) and or high brow, upper socio economic classes

• e.g., national theatres, art galleries, government supported museums

how does popular culture influence corporate culture

influence of global entertainment corporations like disney, sony and amazon

what is popular culture associated with

urbanization and cultural globalization

explain shopping malls as a popular culture landscape

• artificial landscape of consumption

• enclosed, climate controlled environments ‘outside reality’ - feel of community open space but is in fact private property

• characterized by sameness: architecture, entertainment amenities, store design, brands and merchandise - placelessness, survival dependent on community ties?

explain the geography of music in popular culture

much of contemporary music tied to specific places; particular ‘sounds’ associated with specific regions, and populations of origin

musical genres and tastes can also be very widespread

• influence of ‘global musical brands’ like t swift, beatles, m.j., k pop bands

give examples of geography of music

• nashville tn and country music

• reggae and jamaica

• delta blues and u.s. south

what do geographies of music reflect

cultural globalization: corporate music industry, social media influence critiqued as a source of cultural homogeneity

• or means of overcoming differences? ex. western classical music studied and played globally

explain geography of sport in popular culture

• organized major league sports originated in late 1800s; recreation for rapidly growing urban, working class populations

• regional preferences developed among participants and spectators

• for fans, supporting sports teams can be significant part of personal and place identity

• e.g., passion of fans during fifa

• specific sports part of regional ‘ways of life’, preferred recreation - influenced by weather, infrastructure

• translated into proportion population play at elite levels - around 42.5% of nhl players are canadian

give examples of geographies of sports

• football/soccer in europe; former european colonies in africa, latin america

• baseball in urban usa, later canadian cities

• football in southern/western usa

• hockey in canada and N.E. usa

• basketball in urban china

what is tourism

the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes” - United Nations World Tourism organization

• includes business travel, personal travel (e.g., health, education) and VFR (visiting friends and relatives)

• can have primary and secondary reasons for travel

what is a drifter

seeks destinations out of the mainstream: immerse themselves in local customs; avoid tourist attractions

• e.g. staying in a small village for an extended time period

what is an explorer

looks for unusual locations; may be motivated for specific reasons (educational, religious) and possibly risk taking

• e.g., photographing wildlife in africa

what are the two mass tourist types

• individual mass tourists

• organized mass tourists

what are individual mass tourists

• make own travel arrangements; identify own activities of interest, usually seeking relaxation

what are organized mass tourists

• seek packaged experiences cover many aspects of a trip (travel, accommodations, activities) with low risk

• a packaged experience, visiting different cities famous for their christmas markets. all aspects of such mass tourist experience are scheduled and organized

what is ecotourism

• sustainable ecotourism focuses on unspoiled natural environments and needs/welfare of local people

• tourist experience in distinctive natural environments; incorporate sustainability and conservation activities

• central part of economy in some countries: belize and costa rica (rainforest); canadian arctic and indigenous owned tour operators in canada

what is wellness tourism

involves spectrum of experiences:

1. epidosodic, hedonic forms of tourism - beach resort package holiday

2. educational and cultural tourism with some hedonic elements - summer university abroad experiences

3. retreat or pilgrimage trips that enhance one’s sense of existential authenticity - yoga spa retreat

4. those that include altruistic/ethical dimensions - voluntourism - church group works to build a school in a developing country

what is the tourism area life cycle (talc) model

describes the general way in which tourist destinations develop over time

• at first as a site of exploration

• followed by stages of investment and development

• can be applied to individual places: ex. acapulco mexico

explain acapulco’s tourism life cycle

• began as a spanish settlement in 1550; best harbour on mexican pacific coast

• major trading port between mexico and asia (philippines): coffee and sugar

• 1940s-70s ‘pearl of the pacific’ go to vacation destination; beaches, night life, rich and famous; featured in film and tv

• reputation tarnished by overcrowding, pollution, drug trafficking and gang violence

• starting 2000, evidence of revitalization as destination for mexican tourists

• hurricane otis in 2023 devastated the city and its struggling tourism industry

what is the tourist gaze

how tourists view and interpret places, cultures and people; a constructed way of seeing that influences how destinations are perceived and marketed - cost to authenticity

what is the tourist industry an example of and who benefits

example of mdw power and dominace - less developed areas transformed to meet recreational needs and desires of tourists; locals may benefit from jobs, but at costs to ways of life

explain the (in)authenticity in tourism

• some tourist destinations, eager to attract (more) tourists, modify or (re)create cultural experiences to such an extent that they are no longer real - threat to local cultures and traditions

• tourist destinations may use re-enactors to supplement their ‘telling of the story’ of the location - making events/history come to life? or just show biz

what is the first stage of authenticity

entirely constructed for the purpose of tourism: e.g., all inclusive tourist resort and theme parks - e.g., walt disney world ‘main st usa’

what is the second stage of authenticity

decorated in a style that is reminiscent of a destination - e.g., caribbean themed margaritaville restaurants in cities across u.s.

what is the third stage of authenticity

designed to stimulate a non tourist area/activity; e.g., romanticized version of old west reality in a dude ranch vacation

what is the fourth stage of authenticity

formerly non tourist location opened up to outsiders - e.g., a working farm open to tourists who engage in farm work as part of their experience

what is the fifth stage of authenticity

occur where there is limited tourism development; services such as food service often in peoples homes

back region

• places not intended for tourists or expecting to receive them. drifter or explorer tourists may develop relationships with locals who provide access to experiences

how does tourism cause cultural erosion

traditional ways of life can be overwhelmed by tourism. mass market tourism by global brands reduces distinctiveness - e.g., architecture can be overwhelmed by the corporate architecture associated with a hotel brand

• cultural practices (dances, clothing, foods) modified to be more attractive to tourists = more $$$

what is the demonstration effect

• change in attitudes of locals due to negative interactions/observations of tourists

• communities concerned about unwelcome attitudes and behaviours of tourists are adopted by locals

• resentment among locals can escalate to negative attitudes and even hostility

• behaviour demonstrated by some tourists deemed disrespectful or destructive

• negative experience of over tourism

give an example of fines and bans from tourism

• romes capital police cracking down on bad tourist behaviour - now fined, jailed and even banned from sites for infraction

• e.g., tourist caught wading, swimming in trevi fountain

• march 2025 new zealand tourist fined 500 euros and lifetime ban from the site for public drunkennes and wading in fountain