Human Territoriality: Its Theory and History

by Robert David Sack

First published in 1986, this book demonstrates that territoriality for humans is not an instinct, but a powerful and often indispensable geographical strategy used to control people and things by controlling area. This argument is developed by analysing the possible advantages and disadvantages that territoriality can provide, and by considering why some and not others arise at particular times. Major changes are explored in the relationships between territory and society from primitive times to the present day, with special attention to the distinctions between premodern and modern uses of space and territory. Specific analyses of the pre-modern uses of territoriality are provided by the history of the Catholic Church, and, for the modern context, by study of North American political territorial organization and the organization of factory, office, and home.

Genres: Geography

267 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1986

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and useful theory about how territoriality ties into creating hierarchy and the segmented convertible places of contemporary society. Some of the case studies are drawn out a bit long. Some aspects of Sack's theory are not explained clearly enough in this text.