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Essay on "Assess the characteristics which have influenced the place identity and changes over time of two contrasting places that you have studied" [16 marks]
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Assess the characteristics which have influenced the place identity andchanges over time of two contrasting places that you have studied [16 marks]
The identity of a place is influenced by a variety of factors, including past
characteristics, built environment, socio-economic status and cultural factors. Past
characteristics play a major role in shaping a place’s identity. For example, Toxteth is
located in Liverpool on the banks of River Mersey which was important as it was a
major port from the 18th century. Toxeth’s growth was due to increasing connections
both nationally and internationally as goods passing through the docks were traded
all over the country and beyond the UK. However, due to containerisation and
deindustrialisation the Albert Dock and the Tate and Lyle closed down. These were
key businesses that were a source of employment to many of the residents in
Liverpool. The closure meant that a number of people were left unemployed which
led to depopulation. For example, Liverpool’s population in 1931 prior to the shut
down of key businesses was approximately 856,000, however this decreased
significantly as in 2001, Liverpool’s population was 440,00. This caused significant
brain drain and also led to dereliction because if people move out then there is less
tax revenue and the place is left with dependent. However, Liverpool has rebranded
as a visitor destination and even though some parts of Liverpool are deprived,
overall its reputation has improved. The Albert Dock has also been restored and
developed to include many shops, restaurants and museums. Past characteristics in
Lympstone such as the arrival of the railway have also helped shape its identity. The
railway improved its connectivity both regionally and nationally. Time-space
compression allowed the shellfish industry access to a wider market and local
residents too could travel more easily to Exeter. Currently, the railway is still
important as it acts as key infrastructure for commuting.
Socio-economic factors also influence a place’s identity. Several areas in Toxteth are
within most deprived areas in the country as 34.7% of children live in poverty in
Riverside which is a ward in Toxteth. This is because of overall low wages of the
residents which may be due to the employment sector they’re working in as a result
of lower levels of skills and job opportunities as only 40% of students have achieved
their GCSEs compared to the national average of 61%. This shows that schools are
poorly funded and there’s no access to private tuition, resulting in students working
at a lower skilled level job. On the other hand, 79% of students at Lympstone have
obtained their GCSEs which is higher than the national average suggesting well
funded schools. 88% of the population have access to cars in Lympstone which
suggests that there’s a high disposable income compared to Toxteth. However, the
wealth of the area acts as a push factor to the younger population as it is
unaffordable to them. Therefore, Lympstone has a top-heavy age structure as 24.6%
of residents are aged 64 and above, compared with the English average of 16.3%.
Whereas Toxteth has a younger population, with 75.5% of residents being aged 16-
64 which is above the England average of 64.8% which may be due to the job
opportunities and the entertainment facilities the city has to offer.
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