Production, regulation and consumption of nightlife are some
of the characteristics that make up Urban Nightscapes. The Nightlife industry
does contribute significant amounts of money to the local economy. Leisure and
entertainment industries have changed over the years in Trinidad and Tobago and
have emerged as a residual effect of a developing night-time economy, made
conspicuous through issues of social and urban management. From a historical
perspective the impact of steam, power and mechanization transformed the labour
process, made goods cheaper and opened up new markets. This impacted on the
amount of leisure time workers had, however with industrialization brought a
change in the amount of leisure time people had to spend. The global phenomenon
of the nocturnal economy, signified by the appropriation of night-time urban
spaces by the leisure and entertainment industries, is symptomatic of broader
social and cultural patterns. In seeking to understand the fundamental global
economic transformations and problems affecting many cities, geographers put
analysis of structural changes in capitalism at the heart of explanations of
urban change drawing on the work of Karl Marx for their analytical framework
(Hall and Barrett 2012). Cultural industries may take the form of fashion, film
production, media, design, nightlife, technology based activities and music.
Night-time industries may be cultural industries but are also heavily economic
based, as with any business the main goal is to be lucrative and make an
economic gain. According to (Hubbard 2006), he notes that to date there has
been little research in literature on how creativity is produced and practiced
in cities, particularly the material dimensions of these activities and their
mundane practices, such as socializing bars. When looking at all the night-time enterprises
as a collective, food industries, clubs, bars and other small businesses of the
informal sector all contribute to the urban economy as it increases the flow of
capital at a time (night-time) that would have been otherwise less productive
from an economic standpoint. From my own experiences when going out at
night-time to either clubs, bars or restaurants a significant amount of cash
would be needed just to take you through the night as these services are often
costly from a general viewpoint.
References:
Hall and Barrett, Urban Geography. London and New York,
Routledge Publishing. 2012
A very interesting piece of writing Brother Christopher. Indeed, night life is a reflection of consumption in contemporary urban space, though it may be consumed differently based on whom the individual actually represents. To add to your discussion, it must be noted that urban youths, particularly the educated and elite groups, are the main drivers in the vibes that are drawn from urban night life and as such all effort is directed to attract them. Along this line, the availability of disposable income separates those who can and cannot engage in activities in these settings which you speak about. Furthermore, too often the Spaces that are created in urban settings are monocultured thus targeting and excluding specific groups. I usually refer to the urban space as a scene of protocol because it offers nothing more than the nothing lifestyle it represents. What else can this urban night life reveal other than bars and party? I need a place of quiet and peace, a place where I can enjoy the sounds of nature, feel the breeze from fading sun without having to contribute significantly to the economy. Most youths in urban settings are unemployed. How then can they be included in the consumption after dark which is considered healthy by the public, if there is absolutely no structure in place for such? Same speed...
ReplyDeleteSt james friday evening has persons now coming out to sell food at 11pm. that the night life for you, these vendors cater for a different type of crowd and as kevin said young crowd. I think we fail to realise how profitable the night life industry is. Good picture, cught my attention to read this entry. Nice job man
ReplyDeleteThank you both for taking the time to read and comment, Kevin it it very interesting the point you added and indeed I mentioned it in one of my previous blogs, correct you are as a certain elite young group of society is targeted for economic benefit. I especially like where you referred to the urban scene as "a scene of protocol", as mentioned there is a 'predictable' type of urban nightlife and personal preference has a big part to play. Avinash its true that many people just go to the parties and spend money without a care in the world not reflecting on where the money ends up. It is a very profitable industry.
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Cash is king.