Fairmount Park Guide for College Students

This useful resource, created by students in the Fairmount Park Course, can be accessed here.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Flora as a Status Symbol

This picture was taken somewhere around 24th and Locust, one of my new favorite areas of Philly. Little bushes or flowers could be seen outside of most homes. I find these so beautiful because I am used to looking at less decorated homes. Coincidentally, the residences I a
am used to looking at either belong to students or not-so-wealthy families.


In class we have been talking about socioeconomic factors occasionally. I think the way we adorn or landscape the outside of our home can be connected to that. I would personally go as far as to say that these flowers and shrubs are status symbols. Status symbols which lower class families can not be bothered with or can not afford. Also, they are a way for people living in this area to fit in with their neighbors. A status symbol can be an expensive purse, brand new car, or the type of shampoo you use. Certainly then, people can use parts of nature as status symbols also.

Recall areas where families typically have lower incomes and tell me about their landscaping. Do you observe a positive correlation?



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