The Social Bond and Place: A Study of How the Bureau of Land Management Contributes to Civil Society

Abstract

Civil society is a widely discussed concept, often proposed as a means to address problems associated with a weakening of the social fabric. Nearly all civil society literature works from the notion that creating more or richer discourse around any given issue will help build agreement about the key values and in so doing, civil society will emerge. What this literature has not yet turned its attention to is, what is necessary for a strong social bond, which is a prerequisite for the possibility of social discourse in the first place, to exist. Historically, the social bond has been built on common religious, cultural and/or political perspectives. However, the constitutive power of the institutions that comprise each of these areas has diminished substantially. This research draws on concepts developed in the field of environmental psychology to understand how place can serve as the basis for the development of a social bond and subsequent emergence of civil society. Two concepts drawn from environmental psychology --place attachment and place identity --are used to demonstrate how individuals and groups become connected to place, and how such a connection shapes and contributes to social relations. Specifically, this study contributes to the body of civil society literature by illuminating how a public agency can foster the development of the social bond by drawing explicitly and symbolically on place and in doing so, contributes to the emergence of civil society --or on the other hand, fails to foster it as effectively as it could by being attentive to the role that place can play in creating the social bond.iii To my father, who taught me what it is to be a life long learner and showed me the importance of sharing what we love with others. AndTo Christine and Max, for their unwavering support and extraordinary patience.i v AcknowledgementsMy heartfelt thanks go out to many people who have contributed in different ways to this project. Thanks first to my committee, who have provided wonderful support, guidance and direction. I am particularly grateful my Chair, Orion White, who had the uncanny ability to listen to my often muddled thoughts and ideas, and then reflect back in a way that the important elements became clear. I am indebted to Gregg Cawley, who first revealed to me that the study of public administration suited both my interest in political philosophy and my desire to find real solutions to real problems. Thanks also to the entire faculty of the Center for Public Administration and Policy, each of whom have done so much to guide my personal journey into the field. Last, but certainly not least, thanks to the staff of the Bureau of Land Management and the current and former members of the Northwest California Resource Advisory Council for their generous offerings of time and information. This research would have been both different and much more difficult without their willing and thoughtful contributions. Northwest California........................................................................

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Walkability in Historic Urban Spaces: Testing the Safety and Security in Martyrs' Square in Tripoli

“…Environment responsiveness is the way to deliver effective lighting systems at night-time, planning effective gathering spaces, and cutting traffic burden (Austin, 2002). Users of POS in Tripoli have concerns about safety, particularly for areas with poor lighting at night, such that women seldom use some open spaces during night periods (Abdulla et al, 2016).…”

Volume 16 : 2018

“…However, shades in the seating areas is required to ensure users' comfort. Public seating should be comfortable, shaded and with different shapes that provide comfortable and active environment where people can rest, socialize, or eat and enjoying public space (Latip, 2011;Austin, 2002;Hajmirsadeghi, 2015).…”