The City and Self-Identity

Abstract

It is suggested that for each of the role-related identities of an individual, there are physical dimensions and characteristics that help to define and are subsumed by that identity. In addition, there is a general place-identity for each individual which reflects his or her unique socialization in the physical world. This paper argues that it is important to conceptualize place-identity as a specific component (subidentity) of each individual's self-identity. Place-identity is defined as those dimensions of self that define the individual's personal identity in relation to the physical environment by means of a complex pattern of conscious and unconscious ideas, feelings, values, goals, preferences, skills, and behavioral tendencies relevant to a specific environment.

Place attachment, place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviour: a comparative assessment of multiple regression and structural equation modelling

“…Place dependence reflects the functional attachment of a setting in achieving the specific goals of the individual (Stokols & Schumaker, 1981). Place identity is the cognitive connection of the self with the setting (Prohansky, 1978). Place affect is emotional bond which is developed between an individual and the place (Kals & Maes, 2002).…”

Wildland Fire and Organic Discourse: Negotiating Place and Leisure Identity in a Changing Wildland Urban Interface

“…Ken, Scott and Stacy's narratives provided a strong sense of an identity related to place and leisure activities not unlike personal stories influenced by broader issues of gender, race and socioeconomics (Proshansky, 1978). In their stories we detected the subtle mixture of humanist and protectionist discourses, a common characteristic of the organic orientation (Fine, 1998).…”

“…Identity supportive discourses of place use a concept called place identity (Proshansky, Fabian,& Kaminoff, 1983;Williams, 2002). Attempts have been made to account for salient identities of place in general (Proshansky, 1978) and more recently identities associated with natural places (Brooks, Wallace, & Williams, 2006;Farnum, Hall, & Kruger, 2005). Massey (1994) and Gustafson (2006) pointed out that, just like general identities, place identities should not be considered static and inert but rather fluid and processual with different individuals and groups possibly ascribing different meanings to the same geographic locations.…”

Volunteer Meanings in the Making of Place

“…Interacting with a special place informs how people view themselves in terms of the environment around them (Proshansky, 1978;Stedman et al, 2004). This is akin to the creation of place-based identity (Gooch 2003), which gives volunteers a sense of what they're doing and why (Glynn, 2000).…”