Blog #2 The Genealogy of Place

In Cresswell's Place, Chapter 2 discusses geology in its relation to place. He gives the reader an insight into how the idea of place and its interest evolved over time. "Relph...in his book Place and Placelessness, [was] surpris[ed] that very little attempt had been made to actually define place and distinguish it from its sister concepts of region and area. Place remained a largely common sense idea." (Cresswell 18)  In other words, it wasn't until the 1970's ( that the idea of place was researched, and considered as having significance in relation to geography and human life.

Cresswell also includes the different aspects of geographers and philosophers who define place differently. Yi-fu Tuan argues that we define place through our perception and experience, and Relph describes place as more than just a location, but a dwelling that is also spiritual and philosophical.

David Harvey argues that place is moreso socially constructed, meaning that place is widely human/society influenced by giving that place meaning and materiality. On the other hand, J.E. Malpas and Robert Sack, though they do believe places are a result of society and culture, they also believe that geography or "what is already there" produces the idea of place. "Malpas and sack are arguing that humans cannot construct anything without being first in place." (32).

After reading the chapter, though I do agree with aspects of both arguments, I find myself agreeing more with the ideas of Harvey in that people or society gives significance to place. Yes geography/land is there, but we are the ones that make a place meaningful and of significance by building stores, homes, restaurants, parks, etc.