Which term describes a neighborhood characterized by distinct community borders and perceived social differences from adjacent areas?

The term that best describes a neighborhood characterized by distinct community borders and perceived social differences from adjacent areas is "defended neighborhood." This concept refers to areas that residents perceive as being notably different from nearby neighborhoods, often due to socioeconomic factors, cultural distinctions, or social interactions. The "defended" aspect suggests a sense of boundary not just geographically, but also socially and emotionally, indicating that the residents have a strong identity linked to their neighborhood.

In contrast, demographic transition refers to the shift in a population's structure, often relating to birth and death rates over time, and it does not directly pertain to the characteristics of specific neighborhoods. Culture shock describes the confusion or discomfort that arises when encountering an unfamiliar culture, which does not apply to neighborhood borders or social distinctions. A degradation ceremony is a sociological term that describes a process to embarrass or humiliate an individual, usually in the context of social status, rather than community characteristics. Thus, the choice of "defended neighborhood" effectively captures the essence of defined social and spatial boundaries within a community.