Globalization and Work

870 Words2 Pages

Globalization and Work: The Role of Public Institutions

A sense of community and access to nature uplifts the everyday attitudes of people

which increase their quality of life. In a society where precarious employment is on the

rise it is necessary to have public infrastructure which promotes and supports a sense of

community to combat the negative emotions that have been associated with the rise of

precarious work (Lewchuck et al., 2013, pp. 76-79, 93). Having access to parks, hiking

trails, beaches, adequate transportation, fresh air, a quiet environment, and a sense of

security provides people with opportunities to build social capital and to form support

networks.

Being surrounded by leisure facilities such as, parks, community centers, municipal

beaches, and conservation centers provide residents, particularly those with lower

incomes, with activities that are enjoyable and cost effective. Many of the swimming pools

in Vancouver offer reduced rates for passes so that families can enjoy a day together at the

pool, staying active and building relationships (Zuberi, 2006, pp.118). . Many parks, hiking

trails, and beaches are free of cost so they are great alternatives to staying inside alone.

The municipality needs to be responsible for developing and maintaining these spaces

across the town or city to make them appealing and accessible. In order to accomplish this,

cities need to be designed with elaborate means of transportation that are expansive and

affordable. This allows people to travel farther for work, to network with people outside of

their direct neighbourhood, and to have more options as to where they live (Zuberi, 2006,

116, 119-120). People then have the opportunity to expand their...

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...sitive experiences than those in Seattle as they have greater

access to natural, leisure environments.

The key to increasing quality of life among city residents is for the government to

provide areas where people can gather and socialize without having to travel far or

spending a significant amount of money. These places will help promote a sense of

community by encouraging neighbours to interact and get to know one another, supporting

the human need for social support and understanding. This will then lead to a higher

perceived level of security which in turn reflects positively on the neighbourhood and the

atmosphere. Finally, having these public places designed to be natural, green spaces within

the cities will give residents a place to go to get away from the fast pace lifestyle of the

urban area yet without leaving the city to find that serenity.

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