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.