Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
in particular, is likely to be sidelined. In addition, is physical
geography or human geography suffi ciently coherent to stand
alone? The diversity within each of the subdisciplines and past
experience of such separations are certainly suffi cient evidence to
doubt their viability.
The third and fi nal scenario for consideration is the
'integrated-development
'
scenario. This envisages a regeneration
and expansion of the disciplinary core of geography. There is
renewed focus on the core concepts and methods. Geographical
theory development in a thriving core informs the subdisciplines
and the specialisms which, at the same time, are infl uenced
by ideas from outside the discipline. Disciplinary identity is
strengthened and there is a more focused external role for
geography in relation to interdisciplinary activity and the
neighbouring disciplines. Figure 30 attempts to depict this
future diagrammatically. The two-way fl ow of ideas between
core and periphery, and the examples of both core and
peripheral concerns of geographers, are indicative important
features of this scenario. The core is already recognizable and
well defi ned but is not set in stone. Over time it could change
to accommodate new dimensions as the discipline continues to
modernize.
In our view, the 'integrated-development' scenario provides
the best option for geography. If geography is focused on
achieving this scenario, it will become more effective and reach
its full potential. In a way, it enables us to have our cake and
eat it: a sustainable future for the discipline is ensured in
which the diverse aspects of geography are interlinked,
interdependent, and mutually supportive. Uniquely geographical
core concerns are connected to dynamic specialisms that, in turn,
contribute to interdisciplinary activity. By ensuring two-way
fl ows between the core, the periphery, interdisciplinary fi elds,
