A selective review of environmental perceptions, attitudes, place attachment, and their spatial characterisation: contrasting the South African and global perspectives

Abstract

This selective review points to a rich body of literature on environmental perceptions, attitudes, and place attachment in South Africa. Research works highlight that the global-North dominates in human–nature relations studies, with relatively less work done in less developed economies such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa. Additionally, the review of the literature on these concepts points to the complexity of these aspects in terms of their conceptual distinctions, amorphous nature, and hence the difficulties surrounding their spatial characterisation. This selective review aims to provide a contrast between South African and international studies on these concepts. This review notes that human–nature studies in South Africa are dominated by place research, which is largely influenced by the country's spatio-political setting, where social engineering was influenced by past policies that had substantial impacts on the arrangement of space, identity, and belonging. Additionally, the review notes the dearth of literature that has attempted to spatially characterise human–nature relations in the country. Spatially characterising these concepts could be beneficial for urban and environmental planners and policymakers in the country, and assist in initiatives meant to reduce spatial inequalities in the country.