MW

Intro Lecture 6- The City Understands Itself v2

URSI 100 - Introduction to the City

  • Instructor: Professor Miriam Porter

Module Overview

  • Cities are an extension of people.

  • The module is designed to help us understand people's needs.

  • Focuses on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Bystander Intervention, and community safety initiatives.

Understanding Needs Through Maslow’s Theory

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

  • A motivational framework that suggests needs are met in a specific order.

  • Each need must be satisfied before one can address higher-level needs.

The Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy

  1. Physiological Needs

    • Basic requirements for human survival (e.g., food, water).

  2. Safety Needs

    • Protection from physical and material danger.

  3. Social Needs

    • Need for love, affection, and belonging.

  4. Esteem Needs

    • The desire for achievement and recognition.

  5. Self-Actualization

    • The realization of one's fullest potential.

Implications for City Governance

  • Recognition that unmet needs may lead individuals to engage in illegal activities to satisfy those needs (e.g., gang involvement for safety).

  • City policies that fulfill basic needs can reduce criminal behavior.

  • Examples of community programs aimed at addressing needs include:

    • Food Shelves

    • Neighborhood Watch

    • Habitat for Humanity

    • Salvation Army

Bystander Intervention Concept

Definition

  • Examines the willingness of individuals to help strangers in danger.

Case Study: Kitty Genovese Murder (1964)

  • A case highlighting bystander non-intervention, where numerous witnesses did not call for help.

  • Raises questions about the psychological factors leading to inaction among witnesses.

Factors Influencing Non-Intervention

  1. Apathy

    • Lack of interest or concern for others' situations.

  2. Fear

    • Concern for one's own safety might inhibit action.

  3. Diffusion of Responsibility

    • Belief that someone else will intervene.

  4. Uncertainty

    • Doubts about the situation, leading to inaction.

Characteristics of Altruistic Individuals

  • Traits of people who are likely to help include:

    • Internal emotional control.

    • Empathy and concern for others.

    • Strong moral beliefs about justice and right action.

Environmental Factors Affecting Safety Perception

Characteristics Making People Feel Unsafe

  • Known crime areas

  • Presence of unfamiliar individuals

  • Poor lighting

  • Lack of police presence

  • Neglected environments

  • Dense areas with restricted visibility

Actions for Enhancing Community Safety

  • Installation of adequate street lighting.

  • Organizing community gatherings to foster social ties.

  • Increased police patrols to ensure security.

  • Establishing maintenance standards for properties to ensure neighborhood upkeep.

  • Incorporating safety into community design by improving visibility.

Addressing Crime Prevention

  • Timely punishment linked to crime events is necessary for effective deterrence.

  • How crime patterns develop from minor offenses to serious crimes among juveniles poses a concern.

  • Collaboration between community members and the judicial system is vital for crime prevention efforts.

Reflection

  • Consider personal experiences with intervention in dangerous situations.

  • Reflect on actions taken during those situations.