The effect of territorial personalization on residents' place-identity: a case-study in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Abstract

This study explores the identity functions of personalizing exterior areas immediately adjacent to home. Past studies are reviewed in an effort to understand human territorial functioning and the concepts of territorial personalization and place-identity. It is concluded that personalization of home territory is a powerful medium of expressing individual as well as group identity and it may effect place-identity. The empirical portion of this study develops a measure of territorial personalization. House-fronts in three neighborhoods in Rio Grande Valley were analyzed and scored as to the type and degree of territorial expressions. Two groups of students having different cultural backgrounds rated the house-front photographs on the basis of territorial personalization and resident's community pride. These ratings were correlated with the derived measure of territorial personalization. Territorial personalization was found to be an important predictor for resident's community pride. There were no distinct differences between the perceptions of Anglo-American and Hispanic students. A number of categories were identified as critical dimensions of territorial personalization. Among them 'porch', 'gardening', 'front facade' and 'boundary conditions' were important in the context of designing the environment. Finally, possible design responses were suggested for near-home areas which would enhance personal expressions.