Changing Places Revision Mind Map for AQA A Level Geography

Introduction

• Aim: Condense key information on changing places onto a single A3 sheet.
• Importance of using the specification for comprehensive revision.

Concept of Place

• Definition: Place = Location + Meaning
  • Location: Physical spot measured by latitude/longitude.
  • Meaning: Social construction and emotional significance.
• Sense of Place: Emotional attachment and subjective meaning of a place.
  • Connects individuals/groups to a location.

Importance of Place in Human Life

• Places contribute to identity and belonging.
• Connection to places can be at different scales (local, national).
  • Example: National pride during events like the World Cup.
• Attachment can form with places never visited (media influences).

Insider vs Outsider Perspectives

• Insiders: Familiar with and connected to a place.
• Outsiders: Feel unwelcome or disconnected.
• Transition between insider and outsider can occur due to:
  • Personal Factors: Age, life changes (e.g., moving for university).
  • External Factors: New developments, gentrification.

Categories of Place

• Near Places: Geographically close, everyday experiences.
• Far Places: Physically distant.
• Media Places: Known through media, not personal experience.
• Experienced Places: Direct interaction or residence.
• Globalization: Blurs lines between these categories, shrinking world effect.

Factors Contributing to Place Character

• Endogenous Factors: Internal, like location, topography, land use.
• Exogenous Factors: External, like migration, investment, global influences.

Relationship and Connections

• Demographic/Cultural Characteristics: Influenced by people, resources, ideas.
• Economic/Social Inequality: Influenced by investment and policy.

External Forces

• Operate at local to global scales (TNCs, governments, community groups).
• Can influence place characteristics significantly.

Past and Present Connections

• Historical connections (sea trade, industrial roots).
• Modern connections (internet, trade blocs).

Globalization of Place

• Clone Towns: Homogenization due to TNCs.
• Placelessness: Lack of distinct local culture.

Meaning and Representation

• Place Attachment: Emotional bonds and identity.
• External Agencies Influence: Through marketing, reimaging, rebranding.
  • Example: Stratford's transformation post-Olympics.
• Formal vs Informal Representation:
  • Formal: Census data, maps.
  • Informal: Media, art, literature.

Development and Change

• Past and present development shape current place character.
• Regeneration vs Gentrification:
  • Regeneration: Physical improvements.
  • Gentrification: Demographic shifts, potential displacement.

Place Studies

• Local Place Study: Detailed understanding of changes over time.
  • Use timeline to map changes due to external forces.
• Distant Place Study: Understanding of remote locations and their unique changes.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive understanding of the changing dynamics of places is crucial for exams.
• Place studies require thorough research and understanding of both qualitative and quantitative data.