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The concrete jungle (sociological term)
This entry is an extension of the Wiktionary page "concrete jungle" (definition). The concrete jungle (sociological term) (also called asphalt jungle) is used to describe urban spaces, where concrete and structure consumes the atmosphere, often fostering depression and social isolation, especially among indigenous people, through displacement, lack of surrounding nature (an element quintessential to indigenous peoples' livelihoods and spiritual/cultural belief systems), and support systems within the environment.

The concrete jungle is a term for an urban society, referring both physically, to asphalt used in the construction of urban streetscapes – grids; and metaphorically, to the high density of buildings, usually downtown. The term ‘concrete jungle’ is usually used to communicate a sense of overwhelm at the sprawling, general urbanization of modern society – a sense of ‘suffocation,’ at the towering, surrounding buildings, and the maze that is most cities’ downtown cores: a sense of inescapability.

The concrete jungle and depression – lack of sunlight
Sunlight and a profound connection to nature is understood to provide a wide range of physical, emotional and psychological benefits to humans (1,7). We need the sunlight and to be surrounded by nature, to survive (1,7). The concrete jungle is termed as a space through which the individual cannot be ‘one’ with nature, because nature has been taken out, covered – built on top of with capitalistic goals; and people are subject to this structure and rules of the law. The concept of the concrete jungle emotes the concept of trying to navigate one’s way through an environment, struggling through the vines and bushes, trees (buildings – skyscrapers) towering over and all around, becoming lost and overwhelmed within the environment and not being able to find an escape back to nature.

Concrete jungle writing piece from European individual
''Below is a writing piece from an individual – of European descent – who has found himself suffering within the ‘concrete jungle:’ ''---

I'm actually so done eh? I'm ready to just go hide. Like, enough. I'm done with capitalism And done with rules And done with papers and concrete and commutes And time deadlines And all this stuff. I can't handle it, what the fuck. I'm going crazy I wish I lived in the forest with some cool people. I wish I got that experience of care-free kid'ness. I wish. All I see is gray. I feel empty, like this city. Empty of life. Empty of sunshine. Empty of true being. Suits be damned. Same day different shit - hustle and bustle bullshit. Not here for this shit. I thought my city was different shit. It's like everywhere else. Shit. Well what do I do now? I want life. I want spark. I can't find it here. I am a ghost. I am merely going through motions ... But I am invisible, here. The sun sees me. (The author wants to express he is ok and that he just likes writing about his feelings, but that they are nothing to be alarmed over. He has a good head on his shoulders and he recognizes that life goes up and down - he handles his challenges well.) ---

The concrete jungle, depression and indigenous post-colonialism
Within academic and political discourse, the concrete jungle has been known to further isolate and colonize indigenous peoples, through disconnection to indigenous people’s land and practices, and through capitalist routinized structures, favouring the wealthy, through covert or overt racism and lack of rights acknowledgment within urban centres (3,4). For indigenous populations, the Creation story within indigenous culture, is premised on and advocates for a sustainable equilibrium fostered within our universe, between all living things, inclusive of Mother Earth (2,5). Relatedly, it is suggested by academic work that indigenous individuals, stripped from their native land and culture, having heir ability to connect with the land infringed upon, may develop mental health challenges (4,5,6).

Sources Cited
1.	Davis, C. (2014, March 24). Shining Light on What Natural Light Does For Your Body. Retrieved from https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/blog/changeyourstate/benefits-of-natural-light/.

2.	McGregor, Deborah. 2009. “Honouring Our Relations: An Anishnaabe Perspective on Environmental Justice.” In Speaking for Ourselves. Environmental Justice in Canada, Eds., Julian Agyeman, Peter Cole, Randolph Haluza-Delay and Pat O’Riley. Vancouver: UBC Press.

3.	Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2017). The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada: A critical review of research. Social Science & Medicine,176, 93-112. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.01.021.

4.	Senese, L. C., & Wilson, K. (2013). Aboriginal urbanization and rights in Canada: Examining implications for health. Social Science & Medicine,91, 219-228. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.02.016.

5.	Snyder, M., & Wilson, K. (2015). “Too much moving…there’s always a reason”: Understanding urban Aboriginal peoples experiences of mobility and its impact on holistic health. Health & Place,34, 181-189. doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2015.05.009.

6.	Tam, B. & Goug, W. (2013). Pimatisiwan: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health II (3). McMaster University Indigenous Health Research Development Program Research Allowance. Retrieved at: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9423/41451d10f64361f404a3a2473d83940ba509.pdf.

7.	The Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health. (2017, October 9). On International Mental Health Day, think about Workplace Design. Retrieved from https://www.urbandesignmentalhealth.com/blog/previous/3.