Genealogy of Place- Chpt. 15-33

In the beginning of chapter two the definition of what place is becomes defined. Place stands for both an object and a way of looking. There has always been a common sense notion that geography is simply a reflection of people's curiosity about the differences between parts of the Earth's surface. However, Tuan gives a more concrete definition of place through comparison with space. He develops a sense of space as an open arena for action and movement while place is about stopping and resting to become involved.

Place determines our experiences. How we react to a certain space has to do with past experiences and conceptions that we associate with a given place. Phenomology, developed by Brentano and Husserl, is the idea that we cannot be conscious without being conscious of something. Consciousness therefore constructs a relation between the self and the world and develops our conception of that world.

What I found particularly interesting was the Feminist's view of place, or more specificly home, and how it does not correspond to our every day association of how women are viewed in our society to perceive or identify with their home. The idea of a "fundamental place" is questioned by feminists. Home is often seen as a center of meaning and a field of care. However, feminist geographer Gillian Rose points out that many women do not share a rosy view of their home. Many do not see their homes as conflict-free, caring, and nurturing. They instead are faced with domestic violence or abuse in their home. Therefore, Rose argues, place does not have meaning that is natural and obvious but one that is created by some people with more power than others to define what is and is not appropriate. For example, today Chinatown is not simply a natural reflection of Chinese culture but the result of negotiations with those with the power to define it through media or the government. Chinatown is now seen as a tourist attraction. Place is indeed socially constructed.

To say a place is socially constructed is to say that it is not natural. It also says that human forces can "undo" its importance in the same way that humans place importance to a place. In other words, it is within human power to change a place's meaning. Our meaning of a place today comes from Western cultural values, which is produced by the media, politicians, and people who live there. The very essence of a place is a product of society.