Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
range of environmental themes since then, today 'the environment'
is everywhere but nowhere in geographical research. The resulting
work has been lively and varied, but in the end somewhat shapeless.
S. Eden, 'People and the Contemporary
Environment' (2003)
She is referring to the internal divisions that have developed
in geography while other disciplines have become increasingly
interested in environmental topics and new integrated
'environmental' sciences of global change, Earth-systems
analysis, sustainability science, and the like have been emerging.
Similar weaknesses or threats can be identifi ed in relation to
geography's other core concerns of space and place: though
geographers have also made important contributions by taking
the opportunity to work cooperatively with these other disciplines.
The nature and importance of geography are not well
understood. The differences between physical and human
geography and the shared core of concepts can be confusing,
and the bridging role of geography between the sciences and the
humanities may be contested. Its breadth has led to the accusation
that it is a 'Jack-of-all-trades, master of none'. It has an image
problem as well as an identity problem. Geographical research
is not always recognized as such. As a critic once remarked,
geographers immerse themselves in issues of science and critical
theory but, to the general public, geography is all about maps.
Understanding of geography outside the discipline often extends
no further than the colloquial. Geography also has a much less
visible presence in the media than does history or archaeology,
for example. Such misunderstandings lead to geography being
undervalued not only by the general public but also those in
authority within education, academia, industry, and government.
Even within the discipline, there is sometimes a lack of
communication and understanding between physical and human
geographers, or a lack of mutual support regarding the integrity of
geography as a whole.
