Territoriality: A Fundamental Consideration of Spatial Behaviour

Abstract

<p> The central theme of this paper is territoriality. Essentially, I am concerned with the part that territoriality plays in determining spatial behaviour. Part One introduces the subject and demonstrates the need for geographers to examine territoriality more thoroughly. The newly developed field of behavioural geography is assessed, the importance of scale being a fundamental consideration. Part Two deals with definition of territoriality in animal and human populations. The problems encountered in definition and delineation of human territories are discussed. Part Three poses two important questions. 1. What function does territoriality serve? 2. Is territory innate or a cultural acquisition? Although the answers to these questions are subject to further research, the importance of these considerations is demonstrated. Part Four considers dominance and leadership. The spatial implications of these concepts are developed. Part Five centres about territorial encroachment and the subsequent reaction. Essentially territorial encroachment (or intrusion) is conceived as a violation of regular spacing patterns. Possible reactions to encroachment are considered. Part Six deals with typology. Two levels of study are distinguished those being Micro territories (personal space) and macro territories (larger units of territory). These two concepts are differentiated by scale. Studies conducted at each of these levels are discussed. Part Seven puts forth a hypothetical construct which integrates the work of several researchers. The "interaction distance" equation is a model which, hopefully, assists the researcher in understanding and possibly predicting the space maintained between interactants. Briefly, the model consists of the subject, the object and the situation. These components determine the interaction distance. Although quantification of the components is not included in this paper, problems in calibration are considered. The utility of the model is also discussed. Part Eight applies a methodological construct, of field theory, to spatial behaviour. The essential concepts of field theory, (the life space, boundary zones, and space of free movement), are discussed in a conceptual and physical sense. Finally, the life space concept is conceived as a territorial range or orbit in which the spatial behaviour of the individual is conducted. In fact, the field theory might greatly assist geographers in understanding and predicting spatial behaviour.</p>