Showing papers in "Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers in 1987"
214Â citations
TL;DR: This article investigated the influence of gender-related differences in home range experience upon cognitive mapping ability and found a growing differential between the activity spaces of boys and girls within their home area during early childhood.
Abstract: The paper investigates the influence of gender-related differences in home range experience upon cognitive mapping ability. The sample constituted 166 children aged between 6 and 11 from a suburban school. Each child was asked to draw a map of their journey to school and home area. Three different methods of stimulus presentation were used: free-recall sketching and the interpretation of either a large scale plan or an aerial photograph. A structured interview with every individual provided information on home range behaviour. The study confirms a growing differential between the activity spaces of boys and girls within their home area during early childhood. Strong positive relationships are found between home range behaviour and information on place and awareness of space. Discernible sex-differences are revealed in both the quantitative accretion of environmental knowledge and in the qualitative manner that children are able to externalize their mental imagery. Contrasts first appear around the middle years of early schooling at a time when boys begin to enjoy greater parental granted rights within their locality. By the age of 11 boys were able to draw maps broader in conception and more detailed in content than correspondingly aged girls. In terms of both mapping ability and map accuracy a significantly higher proportion of boys managed to depict places in a spatially coherent manner. Generalization is complicated by the method of stimulus presentation and the nature of the environment. The educational significance of the results are discussed.
126Â citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make the case for a unified and committed geography, derived from Forster and reinforced by the social commitment of Kropotkin, and the argument is illustrated by a consideration of population, resources and environmental hazard in coastal Bangladesh.
Abstract: Geography as an integral branch of knowledge has suffered by an increasing division both between physical and human geography and between specialisms within each. It is argued that neither physical nor human geography has a viable independent existence, but in the absence of a unified geography will disintegrate into component specialisms at risk of absorption by neighbouring disciplines. The case is made for a unified geography, derived from Forster and reinforced by the social commitment of Kropotkin, and the argument is illustrated by a consideration of population, resources and environmental hazard in coastal Bangladesh, the geography of which cannot be comprehended without a simultaneous consideration of both physical and human conditions. The nature of a unified and committed geography provides criteria for the selection of significant and critical problems for research, in place of the trivia too often studied, and thus supplies an agenda for the future.
102Â citations
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65Â citations
TL;DR: The authors reviewed what is currently known of the geography of road traffic accidents, highlighting the importance of child casualities in the overall problem, and suggests that the geographical analysis identifies some novel approaches to accident alleviation.
Abstract: Road traffic accidents are an important cause of death and serious injury in developed societies. The pattern of incidence has marked spatial and temporal regularities and the geography of road traffic accidents can inform us better about the nature of the problem and the extent to which traditional solutions may or may not reduce the level of accidents. The paper reviews what is currently known of the geography of road traffic accidents, highlighting the importance of child casualities in the overall problem, and suggests that the geographical analysis identifies some novel approaches to accident alleviation.
64Â citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the nature of the medieval town plans at the time of their foundation and found that the ideal geometrical plan in the mind of the surveyor was adapted in a number of ways as development proceeded.
Abstract: The detailed planning of English medieval towns has received scant attention from scholars. Two towns in Midland England, Stratford-upon-Avon and Lichfield, founded in the twelfth century by episcopal lords are investigated to demonstrate the nature of the medieval town plans at the time of their foundation. It is shown that the ideal geometrical plan in the mind of the surveyor was adapted in a number of ways as development proceeded. First, features of the established pre-urban landscape were incorporated into the plan by the surveyor himself. Secondly, the development of burgages by initial plot-holders further distorted the ideal plan to provide a new reality. The detailed studies are set in the context of episcopal town-founding in medieval England.
53Â citations
TL;DR: The concept of equifinality in geology has been revisited in the light of advances in the theory of dynamical systems over the past two decades as mentioned in this paper, which has led to a reappraisal of the concept in geography.
Abstract: A recent paper (Haines-Young and Petch, 1983) to the Transactions has prompted a reappraisal of the concept of equifinality in geography, in the light of advances in the theory of dynamical systems over the past two decades. These are briefly reviewed beginning with a comprehensive definition of a dynamical system, and by analogy any system ideas used in geography, and then sections on chaos and strange attractors, the effect of noise and the possibility of pre-chaotic and chaotic patterning in the landscape. At the moment the greatest value of non-linear dynamics to geography appears to be pedagogic; to enhance awareness and to widen horizons. Linear theory is too restrictive and poor in its properties to support the manifold complexity of the real world; non-linear theory offers a fresh approach to some otherwise intractable or mystifying phenomena. Examples of existing applications are listed and are taken mainly from the realm of physical geography although some applications of wider relevance are noticed. Finally, the concept of equifinality is assessed categorically in terms of stability with respect to non-linear ergodic systems. Although the core of the idea of equifinality remains and maintains some value in physical geography, this is due entirely to the immaturity of the subject; the world and systems theory, which purports to describe it, is a far richer place than was once thought in geographical circles.
48Â citations
TL;DR: In this article, it was suggested that the combined action of frost and salt weathering may be an effective weathering process in temperate coastal environments, and it is suggested that frost damage is increased by the presence of salts in seawater.
Abstract: Extensive spalling and cracking of chalk exposed in cliffs and on shore platforms in the vicinity of Brighton was observed during severe weather in January 1985. Quadrat analysis of the shore platforms is used to show a progressive downshore decline in the frequency of spalling. Laboratory simulations of tidal cycles support the field evidence that chalk exposed on the upper reaches of the platforms would have been subject to destructive freeze-thaw action L&oratory evidence supporting the idea that frost damage is increased by the presence of salts in seawater is also presented, and it is suggested that the combined action of frost and salt weathering may be an effective weathering process in temperate coastal environments.
45Â citations
33Â citations
TL;DR: In this article, a variety of responses by planners in England to this social phenomenon and discusses the limitations inherent in planning in dealing with it are outlined and an assessment of the effectiveness of planning and the need for stronger national guidelines in the development of this key area of social policy.
Abstract: The growth in numbers of very elderly people and the need for residential accommodation for a proportion of them have produced concentrations of residential homes for the elderly in areas already favoured for retirement. This has caused concern to local politicians, planners and service providers in many parts of Britain. This paper outlines the variety of responses by planners in England to this social phenomenon and discusses the limitations inherent in planning in dealing with it. Torbay in Devon is examined as an example of a district which has experienced considerable growth in numbers of homes for the elderly and where planners have attempted to introduce local policies to regulate it. Location quotients are used to compare the concentration of homes in localities with and without restraints on the establishment of new homes. It seems that policies which seek to prevent 'overconcentration' in small areas may have some success although this may be modified by planning appeals. The paper concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness of planning and the need for stronger national guidelines in the development of this key area of social policy.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of control point distributions on fitted polynomial trend surface models is re-examined using the concept of the leverage of a data point, and points close to the edge of the study region are shown to exert a substantial, often excessive, influence on the fitted surfaces, as do the few solitary points where the distribution of control is clustered.
Abstract: Using the concept of the leverage of a data point, the effects of control point distributions on fitted polynomial trend surface models is re-examined. Points close to the edge of the study region are shown to exert a substantial, often excessive, influence on the fitted surfaces, as do the few solitary points where the distribution of control is clustered. An example is given of a study of the spatial distribution of precipitation over Leicestershire, UK
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed investigation of the alluvial deposits in the Lower Vasilikos Valley, in the vicinity of Kalavasos, Cyprus, has revealed a clearly defined sequence of terraces and fills.
Abstract: Detailed investigation of the alluvial deposits in the Lower Vasilikos Valley, in the vicinity of Kalavasos, Cyprus, has revealed a clearly defined sequence of terraces and fills. Four alluvial terraces are present in the Lower Vasilikos Valley, at heights of approximately 10 m, 25 m, 55 m and 80 m above the bedrock floor of the valley. This sequence of terraces corresponds with the alluvial terraces of the Mesaoria Plain and the Kyrenia Range which were described previously by Ducloz (1965 and 1972). The sequence of fills in the Lower Vasilikos Valley broadly corresponds with that of the Older and Younger Fills which have been observed to be present in other parts of the Mediterranean Basin (Vita-Finzi, 1969). However, the Younger Fill in the Lower Vasilikos Valley differs from the deposits which were described by Vita-Finzi (1969) in two ways. First, it is composed of two (not one) distinct units, a coarse (channel zone) and a finer (floodplain) deposit. Secondly, radio-carbon dating suggests that overbank sedimentation in the Lower Vasilikos Valley was under way by Aceramic Neolithic times (c. 5800-5250 BC). This date is considerably in advance of any that have been advocated previously for the onset of this phase of alluviation in other parts of the Mediterranean Basin.
TL;DR: In this article, a study of southern Staffordshire, part of the rural hinterland of the West Midlands conurbation, and southern Hampshire, adjacent to the SouthamptonPortsmouth axis, the South Hampshire Conurbation is presented.
Abstract: The post war years have seen a steady flow of inmigration into the rural hinterlands of conurbations, emanating both from the surrounding rural areas and from the urban complexes themselves. By 1981 over one-fifth of Britain's population was resident in a rural district, the majority falling within zones close to urban centres. This study of southern Staffordshire, part of the rural hinterland of the West Midlands Conurbation, and southern Hampshire, adjacent to the SouthamptonPortsmouth axis, the South Hampshire Conurbation, assesses this process. Using the technique of cluster analysis, three broad groupings of settlement are identified: the small agricultural settlement, the urbanized commuter village and settlements in the process of consolidation between the two. An analysis is undertaken of the 'hinterland population', the diverse populations now resident within the rural hinterlands. Nine broad groupings emerge from this population, identifiable with reference to socio-economic characteristics and ways of life. These groups are represented in various proportions within each settlement type, in relation to the dominant housing class found there. As a result a variety of community forms are seen to be developing, with a polarization of settlements along class lines.
TL;DR: The authors examined recent developments in the growth and distribution of Welsh speakers within Cardiff-the capital city of Wales and found that these Welsh speakers are characteristically upwardly mobile professionals, and not members of a disadvantaged proletariat.
Abstract: This paper examines recent developments in the growth and distribution of Welsh speakers within Cardiff-the capital city of Wales. Of particular interest is the relationship between the incidence of Welsh speakers and selected socio-economic attributes. The study highlights a significant and highly distinctive resurgence of interest in the language within a longanglicized metropolitan region. The patterns that emerge suggest a reversal of Hechter's classic model relating to a 'cultural division of labour', for these Welsh speakers are characteristically upwardly mobile professionals, and not members of a disadvantaged proletariat.
TL;DR: This article examined the interaction of different tenure types and the characteristics of households living on Merseyside in the inter-war period and found that low income families mostly remained trapped in low-quality privately-rented housing.
Abstract: This paper examines the interaction of different tenure types and the characteristics of households living on Merseyside in the inter-war period. Although changes in the housing market on Merseyside broadly reflected national trends, the particular economic situation encountered in Liverpool led to severe problems of housing provision and need. Municipal housing was of much greater importance than in many other cities, but much of this housing was only available to those on good and regular incomes. Similar groups of the population were also catered for by the expanding owner-occupied sector, and it was in some cases both cheaper and easier to obtain a mortgage than to gain access to a suburban council house. Low income families mostly remained trapped in low-quality privately-rented housing. Although economic recession was particularly painful for those who had been used to a regular income, and had committed themselves to a high outlay in rent or mortgage repayments, in the longer term households in the suburbs were better off, as both Building Societies and the corporation tolerated limited rent arrears. The distinctive nature of housing sub-markets on inter-war Merseyside led to great variations in housing quality for different households.
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TL;DR: The author discusses the importance of studying past populations in order to more fully understand the present and investigates regional patterns of population growth and internal migration and their impact on urban social structure in nineteenth-century Great Britain.
Abstract: The author discusses the importance of studying past populations in order to more fully understand the present The focus is on regional patterns of population growth and internal migration and their impact on urban social structure in nineteenth-century Great Britain Aspects considered include patterns of movement occupation and mobility the labor and housing markets dimensions of community residential mobility individual experience and education and social change (ANNOTATION)
TL;DR: In this paper, the interplay between geographers and politicians is explored and the authors argue that politicians and political decisions must take account not only of people, but also technology and natural resources.
Abstract: Politics and geography are inter-twined because geographical images and relationships enter into political language. A nation's geography affects its view of itself and its view of the world. Politicians and political decisions must take account not only of people, but also technology and natural resources. Consequently, there needs to be a greater interplay between geographers and politicians.
TL;DR: A recent paper on British Jewry (Newman, 1985) suffers from such failings by discussing these issues but neglecting to relate to them directly in the analysis as discussed by the authors, which is a common problem with complex social issues such as integration and segregation.
Abstract: Complex social issues such as integration and segregation are often inadequately researched because of terminological and methodological deficiencies and inappropriate scales of study. A recent paper on British Jewry (Newman, 1985) suffers from such failings by discussing these issues but neglecting to relate to them directly in the analysis.
TL;DR: In this article, a discussion of retrodictive sea-level change modelling is given to illustrate this point, and it is argued that small islands are among the best testing grounds for a new historical geomorphology.
Abstract: Small islands, defined as those < 10 000 sq km in area, have been studied only infrequently by geomorphologists. The reasons for this, which relate principally to the scale and emphasis of geomorphological enquiry at particular times, are described in the context of the development of geomorphology. It is contended that an important future development will be a revival of historical geomorphology. Studies of small islands would benefit contemporary geomorphology largely because of the simplicity of controls on their landform development compared to most continental areas of equivalent size. This makes small islands excellent places for the testing of certain theories and for the gathering of data for model testing. A discussion of retrodictive sea-level change modelling is given to illustrate this point. Historical geomorphology is considered a suitable integration ethic for geomorphology. There are good reasons why small islands are among the best testing grounds for a new historical geomorphology. There are signs of an increase in geomorphological studies of small islands, but the value of, and the necessity for, such
TL;DR: In fact, expenditure by manufacturing firms in Scotland is almost identical to the national average as discussed by the authors, which is contrary to the assumption that peripheral regions suffer from higher transport costs than more centrally located areas.
Abstract: It is generally supposed that peripheral regions suffer from higher transport costs than more centrally located areas. Evidence for Scotland in 1963 and 1974 shows that in fact expenditure by manufacturing firms is almost identical to the national average. Several reasons can be advanced to explain this counter-intuitive finding. Numerous questions arise, not least concerning the role of infrastructure investment in regional policy and also the utility of Census of Production tabulations which give details only of purchased transport.
TL;DR: In this article, the interaction of different agents involved with the production, consumption and control of new private housing is examined, and the role of local state (planning system) is considered, particularly the position and responses of elected representatives, who made mediate competing growth and anti-growth pressures through the planning process.
Abstract: This paper examines the interaction of different agents involved with the production, consumption and control of new private housing. The context is central Berkshire, an area of high economic and residential growth. Continued housing growth and urban expansion runs counter to dominant local opinion, which is reflected by the activity of many community groups in the planning sphere. Typologies are offered of speculative house-builders and local community groups, based partly on their relationship with the planning system. The role of the local state (planning system) is then considered, particularly the position and responses of elected representatives, who made mediate competing growth and anti-growth pressures through the planning process. Planning gain is suggested as an important device in legitimizing the position of the local planning system in the face of central state and house-builder pressure.
TL;DR: Bank lending to foreign governments has long been an agent of foreign policy, and for a Less Developed Country (LDC) a private bank loan confers international respectability as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Bank lending to foreign governments has long been an agent of foreign policy, and for a Less Developed Country (LDC) a private bank loan confers international respectability. After 1970 private bank loans became the largest source of financial inflows into all such countries, except the very poorest. This growth in bank lending was in part a recycling of the large surpluses of oil-exporting developing countries through the sharp increases in oil prices during the decade. More importantly, it arose from the economic and political exigencies of the United States in maintaining leadership of the noncommunist world. American banks have thus dominated foreign lending throughout, but have increasingly been challenged by European, Japanese, and other foreign banks. The geographical distribution of private bank loans closely reflects the economic and geopolitical interests of their domestic governments; American loans have gone mainly to Latin America and to 'newly industrailizing countries' (NICs) in Asia, 'middle-income' countries with high annual growth rates of GNP. Rival banks have broadly pursued a similar strategy, so that such borrowers have by far the largest debt service obligations among developing countries, and some are in serious danger of default. Nevertheless, the loans of non-American banks show both vestiges of older commercial or imperial interests, and new patterns unrelated to the past.
TL;DR: In this article, it is argued that the pressure to generate the investment income needed by the Church of England to help pay the salaries of the clergy and fulfil its general commitments has led to an increasingly commercial attitude towards their land and property investments.
Abstract: The changing nature and structure of land use in western capitalist cities cannot be understood independently of the goals and objectives of the owners and developers of property. These differ according to the relations of land ownership involved. Massey and Catalano have identified three categories of private landownership in contemporary Britain: former landed property, such as the Church Commissioners and the Crown Estates, industrial and financial landownership. Whereas financial landownership is undertaken solely on the basis of its investment value and the return on capital it offers, the orientation of former landed property is distinguished by the historical ownership of land for its own sake. Looking at the changing investment strategies of the Church Commissioners for England and Wales towards their land and property holdings since their establishment in 1948, it is argued that the pressure to generate the investment income needed by the Church of England to help pay the salaries of the clergy and fulfil its general commitments has led to an increasingly commercial attitude towards their land and property investments. This has led to large-scale disposal of low-yielding agricultural and residential property and re-investment in higher-yielding commercial shop and office developments. In recent years, their search for income growth has led to dis-investment from Britain and re-investment in the United States. It is concluded that the orientation of the Church Commissioners towards their land and property holdings has become increasingly indistinguishable from that of the financial institutions.
TL;DR: The major themes are the political resonances of social stratification and change, the growing distance between the working class and providers of social services, and the role of locality in social reproduction as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The major themes are the political resonances of social stratification and change; the growing distance between the working class and providers of social services; and the role of locality in social reproduction.
TL;DR: In this article, the trend towards greater concentration and the patterns of spatial change in farm enterprises are investigated for 1960-80, which was a period of rapid modernization in the agriculture of the Republic of Ireland.
Abstract: The trend towards greater concentration and the patterns of spatial change in farm enterprises are investigated for 1960-80, which was a period of rapid modernization in the agriculture of the Republic df Ireland. All enterprises occurred on a smaller proportion of holdings, and the scale of each enterprise at the farm level increased substantially. The pronounced spatial changes are examined with respect to tillage, cows, beef cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry. The nature of change and the influences involved varied by individual enterprise but there were strong general trends towards greater localization of enterprises and towards increased divergence between their individual distributions. Some economic, environmental and policy implications of these trends are considered.
TL;DR: In this paper, the distribution of pollen and other organic-walled microfossils is consistent with deposition in a rapidly aggrading fluvial overbank environment, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries AD.
Abstract: The distribution of, and the controls of the occurrence of palynomorphs in fluvial sediments are briefly reviewed. In the Wookey Hole Borehole, the distribution of pollen and other organic-walled microfossils is consistent with deposition in a rapidly aggrading fluvial overbank environment, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries AD. There is little evidence for the action of post-depositional processes except in the highest part of the borehole.