ABSTRACT
Concepts and indicators Let us begin by briefly recalling the definitions of some previously introduced terms: Concepts are abstractions that combine like elements into a category. They often include an exemplar, or prototype, that is regarded as a special representation of the concept, and helps to clarify it. To illustrate, consider neighborhood as a concept. It usually denotes a local community that is in some way connected to a larger area, such as a city; but like most concepts it includes somewhat different places that are sufficiently alike to be subsumed under the same rubric. A number of real, and sometimes imagined, communities are often presented as exemplifying a neighborhood. Despite some differences among them, they are typically described as encompassing people living in an area that is meaningful to them – e.g. it has a name – and shared lifestyles.
