It really can’t be stressed enough how important local markets and public spaces are – and in a number of ways. For those of you who have experienced the joy, economic benefits, access and general happiness that public spaces and native markets provide, much of this will be self-explanatory, but for those of you who have not, take a moment to read through. and feel for yourself.
Public
Nothing brings people together like having a common space to mingle. Public parks are an open invitation for picnics and BBQ’s staple of Australian culture and while this can be done in a backyard, a decent sized backyard (or any backyard at all) is. increasing shortage these days. There are even those who think that this element of our culture may disappear within one generation, meaning that the only way to preserve it’s through public space and public access.
But not only that, have you ever been to a public playground and had the chance to see kids playing freely with one another? Or visiting a public dog park and watching your favourite friend roam free? These moments of social and community bonding are critical for development and sociability, but they apply to adults as well. Think about it, when was the last time you watched a film about romance or community that did not involve public space? But there’s more to it than that. Local markets particularly can be a gathering place and a place to make friends – who does not like local shopkeepers who know all their clients’ names or are happy to make special requests, or employees who are happy to be part of the local culture rather than an empty employee just there. for salary?
Economy
Speaking of just being there for the paycheck, the local market is extremely important economically – to the point where it exists some studies on the importance of having a local market where income can circulate. It is a well known notion that capitalism should breed innovation and support competition, and where is that more true than in a local market economy that competes not against monopolistic tyrants but against others in additional or less the same field? And while some might argue that monopolies encourage innovation, that’s a pretty clear myth. Innovation does not come from a handful of super firms that can purchase out most of the competition, it comes from hundreds of smaller companies competing for an edge – something that can only occur if they can each compete.
Okay, you say, but super-companies are a fact of life, mega-supermarkets and brand outlets aren’t going away anytime soon. Correct. But there’s something else going on here. When many small businesses operate side by side, people are drawn to the location to do their general shopping – not just their specific shopping. If one wants to support a local business, it’s much easier when all the businesses are together. And people are much more willing to spend money on outings they perceive as social experiences, particularly when the only alternative is shopping online. Now, the best market in Melbourne offer such an experience, but community and economic benefits aren’t the only things these spaces and markets must offer the community.
Access
The fact is that while parking may be a problem for many local and public venues, walking access – particularly for people with disabilities – is usually better at local venues than private establishments. Think about it, public spaces are the responsibility of local governments, and native governments have a legal responsibility to make sure access to these places. Public parks that are inaccessible to the public? That’s a problem. A local shop that does not have a wheelchair accessible door? That’s a problem. An open space that lacks security cameras and protection? That’s a problem. Not enough parking lot? That’s a problem. But most significantly, these are problems that have clear solutions – approach your local government. For large private companies, such access is entirely voluntary – and if they do not want or need your protection, they will not make any changes unless forced by… well… local government.
And that is the main difference. If large private companies do wrong to local residents, only local governments can step in to correct them, and even then they’ve limited power – particularly over the economic burden of some of these companies. If local residents need something to change about local public spaces or markets, local governments not only have the authority to do so, but they even have the support to do so because the power of change comes from and is mediated by local communities. In virtually every way, the needs of local residents are served when local residents have a voice, and that only applies in public spaces and native markets.
General Happiness
Local Markets and Public Spheres do much to local communities, offer viable economic ramifications for academic discourse and government investment, and supply access capabilities that privatization options may choose not to engage with. Local markets are an economic force for society, and public space is a social and cultural foundation. Isn’t that something everybody wants for you, your family, and the people around you?
