Discuss_Some_of_the_Ways_Differences_and_Inequalities_Are_Made_on_Streets_in_the_Uk

Discuss some of the ways differences and inequalities are made on streets in the UK Differences and inequalities are made on the streets in the UK by society. The street is a place which reflects society and the fact that there are differences and inequalities which are inevitable. Mutley Plain is an example of a street in the city of Plymouth whereby differences and inequalities do exist. On the historic main route in and out of the city, Mutley Plain is made up largely of Victorian buildings. When Mutley Plain expanded many years ago so did the traffic, pedestrians, material infrastructures and local shops. According to Bromley (‘Making social lives on City Road, 2009, Scene 5) City Road is a straight road which is used as a main route for commuters similar to that of Mutley Plain. Nevertheless, Mutley Plain has many side roads allowing the traffic to flow in different directions. Because of the side roads there may well be a difference in heavy traffic flow compared to city road. However, it would seem the more traffic increases the more likely risk to pedestrians on the street. Therefore suggesting heavy traffic may cause tensions between them both (Making social lives DVD scene 5). Like city road Mutley plain has a number of pedestrians which it would seem are competing for space on the street. So barriers, for instance, bollards and traffic lights are put there by local councils. Although it would seem the barriers are needed for somewhat ordered lives, it could be suggested that bollards are an attempt to allow pedestrians to have easier lives on the street (Blakely et al 2009). Yet this could be argued that car drivers are excluded from these areas suggesting another inequality could be being made. What's more is the difference between night and day on Mutley plain again a similarity to City road. Some may be using the street in the day to get to another place; some may be using the street for activities involving the shops. Yet some people are employed along the street. Also Mutley Plain similar to City road has a university nearby to which many students use the street. Since there are many different activities occurring for different groups it may be believed that there are inequalities of provisions for certain groups therefore some people may feel excluded from certain activities. For example, the street at night is transformed into a place whereby people are socially attending themed pubs and restaurants. Whereas some may feel a sense of belonging on the street some may feel threatened (Making Social DVD, Scene 8). Perhaps the older generation would have a longing for an imagined past (Blakely et al 2009) therefore hold different feelings and perceptions of the street of today. In addition, there are differences between high street shops and local shops. It would seem they are made by society to accommodate society’s needs of different material objects for example, food and food shops which may be linked to different identities (Blake et al 2009).Mutley Plain it would seem has local shops which have been there for many years and shops which have through the years appeared for example, the big store Somerfield. Of course, this is similar to that of City road’s Tesco store. Yet it would seem at times the differences between the shops may lead to conflict and competition (Blake et al 2009). Hence some local shops fighting for business and having to close its doors. Consequently, reshaping of society happens and other people seem to loose which it would seem allows for new differences and inequalities(Making social lives DVD, scene 3) Evidently the bigger shops may affect society’s perception by advertising campaigns and loyalty schemes compared to that of the local shop that may well be struggling. However, some groups of people may be happy with the likes of Somerfield in the area as the shop may sell many material objects which accommodate society’s needs in different ways compared to that of, a local shop which may cater for the local person with a sense of belonging. So social factors are forces which enable social processes that lead to the differences we see and the inequalities that are made suggesting that there are constantly going to be inequalities to some people and that there are winners and losers on every street in the UK. Yet, certain groups of people in society not only make the streets within the UK but also the difference and inequalities that are made that are not only unique to Mutley plain and City road but transferred to any street in the UK. 792