Dynamics of change

• Socially constructed places:

  • Places change as a result of a combination of specific processes carried out by stakeholders 
  • Stakeholders are groups in society, so their actions have a huge role in constructing place identity 
  • Place identity and character do not happen by accident but instead through choices made by society to construct a distinctive sense of place
  • Stakeholder groups within society have the power to change and shape places through investment, voting, or protesting 
  • The Brexit referendum vote to leave the EU shows how voting can have a huge impact on placing a character on a national scale 
  • The forces of change acting on a place will change the lived experience of those in the area
• Flows of people:

  • When there are flows of people that change a place’s demography and culture, lived experiences can be different due to a whole new set of experiences being available. 
  • Immigrant communities often start food businesses or celebrate festivals from their culture which changes lived experience in the area
  • The ‘Curry Mile’ is a nickname for part of Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, South Manchester
• Economic change:

  Economic growth or decline due to changes in investment will affect the services available and change the lived experience 
• Economic forces of change:

  • Gentrification and globalisation are both processes that are strong forces for change when it comes to placing character
  • Investment by TNCs from overseas is a very strong way in which globalisation affects place character
  • The Australian TNC ‘Westfield’ has invested in many areas in London such as Stratford and Shepherd’s bush to create shopping and leisure areas
  • This brings jobs and a new element of identity to these locations 
  • Gentrification is a powerful process that can affect house prices, average earnings and levels of deprivation 
  • An example is the St Philips area in Bristol where a new university campus is being built that will attract thousands of students and change the demographic and economy of the area