Dd101_Tma_03

Figure 1: In the choropleth map, it shows nearly every city (apart from Edinburgh) has increased its population between 0 & 4%, Edinburgh City being the only one that has seen an increase of 8% or more. These observations are based over a ten year period, from 2000 to 2010. Interestingly, the areas that have decreased in population (North & South Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute plus Eilean Star) are all on the coast. Another very large area that has shown an increase, is the Highlands. They have seen between 4 but less than 8% population increase, as does the Orkney Islands & Scottish Borders. Other areas that have shown the largest increase include Perth & Kinross, Aberdeenshire, East Lothian, West Lothian & as previously mentioned; Edinburgh City. From examining the map, it appears that nearly half of Scotland has seen a fairly large increase in population, showing between 4 but less than 8% in total. The areas that have shown the largest increases, are in fact also the smallest compared to the rest of Scotland. Figure 2: Moving on to the graph, this table is describing changes in age structure of Scotlands population, again over a ten year period – 2000 to 2010. There are 6 ranges/groups that have been shown & it clearly states 2 out of the 6 groups have seen a decrease in population, these ages being 0-15 year olds & 30-44 year olds. The other 4 categories have shown a significant increase, the largest being ages 45-59. In this range, nearly 130,000 more people have come to live in Scotland over the ten years, however we can’t see how or when the exact increases occurred. These figures are also an estimation as it would be virtually impossible to portray an accurate summary, as that depends on participation amongst other criteria. The lowest area, one that has shown the least increase in population appears to be 75 & over – this could be argued that there are likely fewer elderly/older people simply because life is not infinite, & the chances of survival decrease as we age. I do wonder why, then, the 0-15 age range has decreased' Especially with larger families being created in modern society, or so the media would have us think. The graph also shows us that less than half of Scotlands population are aged 75 & over. Just over 400,000 in 2010. Yet the highest two ranges in total, are 30-44 & 45-59 year olds. Both categories showing over 1 million people, although as previously stated, the 30-44 year olds have decreased in numbers over ten years. Word count 430 Part 2: In this essay, I will attempt to show why the rural-urban divide is often overstated, drawing from the course material ‘connected lives’, the article ‘Drugs fears for rural youngsters’ & the learning companion 2. Urban & rural life, as I understand them have many facets. As a society, we seem to think the two could not be further from each other. Not just in terms of location, but also in our perceptions of what it means to live in either of these areas. The word urban, is often associated with negativity. Particularly by those who live in rural areas. They see urban areas as often dirty, crime ridden, unhealthy & an undesirable place to live. Maybe that was an accurate depiction at some point in time, and is only a small part of what urban life is about. An example of urbanisation, is the City of Manchester. In 1835 a French aristocrat named Alexis de Tocqueville visited England after he had been to the United States. He first stopped in London, then Birmingham (which reminded him of America), which he describes as ‘full of enterprise, self reliance and moral uplift’ (quoted in Platt, 2005, p. 4). He was obviously impressed with Birminghams development. His next stop after Liverpool, was Manchester. Tocqueville was not impressed with what he found. He compared the city as the ‘New Hades’, a description commonly found in areas of industrialisation, often associated with the terms ‘fallen from grace’ or ‘cast out of Eden’ (Making Social lives S Taylor et al). As well as areas of great wealth, there were almost hidden areas of absolute poverty. Unsanitary streets, houses. Filthy children running riot, little sign of any individual identities. Constant noise from machines and horses, carts etc. The same could be said for rural life though. Our magazines and media rarely paint the true picture of life in the countryside. We see glossy pictures of rolling green hills, still lakes over sunset, livestock munching happily in the sunshine. We most definitely don’t see the harsh realities of country life. Farming is a good example of how ‘the other half live’.. I cannot imagine having to get up at 4 am in the dead of winter, to feed the animals, muck out plus the other never ending chores. Crops to look after, possibly workers to oversee if you’re fortunate enough to be able to afford staff. Rural life is very dependant on mother nature which as we all know can be very cruel and unforgiving. There’s often isolation associated with it too, inclement weather could cut off social contact for days or even weeks. As we can see, there are upsides and downsides to both areas. Of course Urban life could be seen as exciting, glamorous, busy, wonderful structures/buildings, socialisation, modern & THE place to be. Rural life can be beautiful, peaceful, healthier & more community minded – but not always. If I were wealthy, then yes, rural life would likely be fabulous! So would living in an urban area, wealth brings opportunities that not everyone has. Poverty in both areas affect people in similar ways. Rural life often equals hunger, depravation, ill health & also violent. Urban life has exactly the same issues – not one of the above is exclusive to urban or rural life. Another example of similarities between rural & urban areas is apparent in the article ‘Drugs fears for rural youngsters’. The article discusses research in Dumfries & Galloway which is largely a rural area, by support workers. Their worry is that the addiction rates in the above, are actually higher than in Edinburgh & Aberdeen, both cities that I would associate with higher drug use, crime etc. Another misconception perpetuated by various media and historical facts. Times have most definitely changed & this is very apparent according to Mike McClurg, chair of Alcohol & Drug Support South West Scotland. Mike says ‘for a rural area, this is a major drugs problem, especially among young users’. In fact research showed that 52% of those with a drug problem in the area, started their addictive behaviour between the ages of 15 & 19. In comparision, only 38% were found in the Greater Glasgow area. Supply is constant, and with the main motorway into Scotland from England, runs through Dumfries & Galloway, plus the ferry from Northern Ireland lands at Stranraer, which basically means anyone importing drugs to the UK, are likely to cross into the region. All of the above clearly shows that drug use is not restricted to urban areas, and since our modes of transport are so wide, its not surprising that drug use has seeped into rural areas. One might assume that as the ages of these users generally start around age 15, whether caused by peer pressure or simply curiosity, that perhaps boredom of rural ‘nothing to do’ life, has created a niche for the drug suppliers. Summary: Most of our Social lives are conducted by technology of some form, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, texting, emails, mobiles, computers etc, which can lead to isolation of a sort by itself. Our identities are becoming more and more digital & I wonder sometimes if progression is a good thing. Are we losing the ability to communicate & interact on a personal level, thereby creating divides no matter where we live' The blends of Rural & Urban life are not separate at all, in fact one could not survive without the other. We are always searching for a ‘better life’, a ‘healthier life’, but that does not mean rural areas will give us that. Neither does it equate to urban life – there are so many different factors that contribute to each. We can only do our best with what we have. References: Chapters 4 & 5,.Taylor, S., Hinchcliffe, S., Clarke, J. and Bromley, S (eds) Making social Lives, Milton Keynes, The Open University. Brocklehurst, S (2005) ‘Drugs fears for rural youngsters’, BBC News [online], http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4241696.stm (accessed 10 July 2012) Word Count 997 Self Reflection: Need to work more on understanding graphs & percentages. Maths is not my strongest suit & I struggled to put down what I could see into words. Still not sure if correct. Otherwise need to set aside specific study time.