A system in which welfare needs are met by a diverse set of agencies including those from the voluntary and private sectors rather than relying upon universal provision by state agencies. Also known a [..]

The argument that people's behaviour is strongly influenced by their social environment. Often applied to explain the lack of social and intellectual skills of those brought up in environments la [..]

Usually refers to goods and services provided by the public sector. Less often refers to services that, literally, have been consumed by a group of people in a collective manner (such as a lecture). T [..]

The decline in manufacturing activity both in terms of jobs and contribution to national output. See post-industrial cities.

The tendency for interactions and communications between people to be stretched across time and space through the use of books, newspapers, telephones, faxes and the Internet. Also termed space-time d [..]

An acronym for Quasi-Autonomous, Non-Governmental Organization. See governance, hollowing out.

The belief that society can be improved by rational comprehensive planning based on scientific principles (as in comprehensive slum clearance and urban redevelopment schemes).

Geographical studies that assume people are able-bodied, thereby ignoring the problems faced by those with disabilities. Such studies contribute to the continuing oppression of the disabled.

A term associated with Marxian theory to refer to the processes by which capital is acquired. The term alludes to a system in which the ownership of wealth and property is highly concentrated and not [..]

A term used in behavioural studies of residential mobility to indicate the sum of all the areas in a city with which people have direct contact. See awareness space, aspiration region.