The Role of Time in Developing Place Meanings

Abstract

Person-place models suggest that the bonds between individuals and places are complex and multidimensional. While a number of researchers and writers have argued that length of association is an important variable affecting connections to place, little empirical data exists to confirm this hypothesis, and even less is known about how and why time is involved in forming those connections. This study used a mixed methods approach to investigate time in relation to place meanings of visitors and locals in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Results indicate that time plays an important role in the processes that connect people with places. The different ways that time influences place meanings are discussed, especially in regards to the expansion of meanings over time. The type of place was also noted as important when assessing place meanings.

KEYWORDS:

• Place attachment
• place meanings
• time