Human Territoriality: A Theory

1983/03/01 by Robert D. Sack, Robert David Sack · 536 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Action (physics) #Affect (linguistics) #Communication #Geography #Political Conflict and Governance #Psychology #Social psychology #Sociology #Territoriality

paper · doi:10.1111/j.1467-8306.1983.tb01396.x

published in Annals of the Association of American Geographers 73(1), 55-74 (American Association of Geographers)

openalex publication_date 1983/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02

Abstract

Territoriality is a means of affecting (enhancing or impeding) interaction and extends the particulars of action by contact. Territoriality is defined here as the attempt to affect, influence, or control actions, interactions, or access by asserting and attempting to enforce control over a specific geographic area. A theory of territoriality is developed that contains ten potential consequences and fourteen primary combinations of consequences to territorial strategies. It is hypothesized that any instance of territoriality will draw from among these. Specific consequences and combinations are predicted to occur in particular social-historical contexts.

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