Critical Introductions to Geography – serie

An accessible, focused exploration of the field of political ecologyThe third edition of Political Ecology spans this sprawling field, using grounded examples and careful readings of current literature. While the study of political ecology is sometimes difficult to fathom, owing to its breadth and diversity, this resource simplifies the discussion by reducing the field down into a few core questions and arguments. These points clearly demonstrate how critical theory can make pragmatic contributions to the fields of conservation, development, and environmental management.The latest edition of this seminal work is also more closely focused, with references to recent work from around the world. Further, Political Ecology raises critical questions about “traditional” approaches to environmental questions and problems. This new edition: Includes international work in the field coming out of Europe, Latin America, and AsiaExplains political ecology and its tendency to disrupt the environmental research and practice by both advancing and undermining associated fields of studyContains contributions from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and expertiseOffers a resource that is written in highly-accessible, straightforward languageOutlines the frontiers of the field and frames climate change and the end of population growth with the framework of political ecologyAn excellent resource for undergraduates and academics, the third edition of Political Ecology offers an updated edition of the guide to this diverse, quickly growing field that is at the heart of how humans shape the world and, in turn, are shaped by it.

A CRITICAL, NUANCED, AND INTERDISCIPLINARY INTRODUCTION TO THE GEOGRAPHIES OF MIGRATION Migration: A Critical Introduction offers a fresh and accessible framework for understanding migration through a distinctly geographical lens. Going beyond traditional borders and categories, this book examines the forces that shape migration—historical, political, spatial—and invites readers to think differently about how migration is defined, governed, and experienced. Challenging conventional understandings of migration by centring geographical concepts, critical theory, and storytelling, the authors explore the production of migration knowledge and the power relations that underpin it. Readers are introduced to various forms of migration, from labour and family migration to displacement caused by climate change and conflict. Each chapter builds on practical, ethical, and conceptual tools for critically engaging with migration research and narratives, whilst fostering more inclusive and emancipatory imaginaries of migration futures. Migration: A Critical Introduction is an essential resource for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students of Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, International Relations, and related fields. It is particularly suitable for courses on Human Geography, Migration Studies, and Political Geography as part of broader degree programmes in the social sciences and humanities.

Introduction to Cultural Geography makes the case for why thinking geographically about culture matters. Across its chapters, the book examines how cultural geographers have approached the relationship between geography and culture through topics from house floor plans and international migration to colonialism and digital geographies. The book’s first section develops a conceptual framework for studying cultural geography and its key concepts. From there, its chapters look at how and where people make and claim place across four spheres of our everyday lives: dwelling, moving, working, and playing. The book’s final section addresses debates around materialities, assemblages, and artificial intelligence. Each chapter pairs theoretical engagement with concrete examples that enable readers to apply key concepts to the world around them. Introduction to Cultural Geography: Features topics that resonate with students today, including artificial intelligence, social media, and contemporary cultural politicsPresents complex ideas, theories and concepts in an accessible form Covers a wide range of themes such as tourism, memory and heritage, social movements, and pop culture with both historical and contemporary case studiesWritten with multiple audiences in mind, Introduction to Cultural Geography is a great resource for instructors and scholars seeking a current survey of theoretical debates and a compelling way to help students understand the world around them. Written for both students who are new to cultural geography and scholars already familiar with the field, this book is an essential read for all human geographers.

Health Geographies: A Critical Introduction explores health and biomedical topics from a range of critical geographic perspectives. Building on the field’s past engagement with social theory it extends the focus of health geography into new areas of enquiry. Introduces key topics in health geography through clear and engaging examples and case studies drawn from around the worldIncorporates multi-disciplinary perspectives and approaches applied in the field of health geographyIdentifies both health and biomedical issues as a central area of concern for critically oriented health geographersFeatures material that is alert to questions of global scale and difference, and sensitive to the political and economic as well sociocultural aspects of healthProvides extensive pedagogic materials within the text and guidance for further study

Health Geographies: A Critical Introduction explores health and biomedical topics from a range of critical geographic perspectives. Building on the field’s past engagement with social theory it extends the focus of health geography into new areas of enquiry. Introduces key topics in health geography through clear and engaging examples and case studies drawn from around the worldIncorporates multi-disciplinary perspectives and approaches applied in the field of health geographyIdentifies both health and biomedical issues as a central area of concern for critically oriented health geographersFeatures material that is alert to questions of global scale and difference, and sensitive to the political and economic as well sociocultural aspects of healthProvides extensive pedagogic materials within the text and guidance for further study

This volume in the celebrated Critical Introductions to Geography series introduces readers to the vibrant discipline of economic geography. The authors provide an original definition of the discipline, and they make a strong case for its vital importance in understanding the dynamic interconnections, movements, and emerging trends shaping our globalized world.Economic Geography addresses the key theories and methods that form the basis of the discipline, and describes its “communities of practice” and relations to related fields including economics and sociology. Numerous illustrative examples explore how economic geographers examine the world and how and why the discipline takes the forms it does, demonstrating the critical value of economic geography to making sense of globalization, uneven development, money and finance, urbanization, environmental change, and industrial and technological transformation.Engaging and thought-provoking, Economic Geography: A Critical Introduction is the ideal resource for students studying across a range of subject areas, as well as the general reader with an interest in world affairs and economics.

Brings political geography to life—explores key concepts, critical debates, and contemporary research in the field. Political geography is the study of how power struggles both shape and are shaped by the places in which they occur—the spatial nature of political power. Political Geography: A Critical Introduction helps students understand how power is related to space, place, and territory, illustrating how everyday life and the world of global conflict and nation-states are inextricably intertwined. This timely, engaging textbook weaves critical, postcolonial, and feminist narratives throughout its exploration of key concepts in the discipline.Accessible to students new to the field, this text offers critical approaches to political geography—including questions of gender, sexuality, race, and difference—and explains central political concepts such as citizenship, security, and territory in a geographic context. Case studies incorporate methodologies that illustrate how political geographers perform research, enabling students to develop a well-rounded critical approach rather than merely focusing on results. Chapters cover topics including the role of nationalism in shaping allegiances, the spatial aspects of social movements and urban politics, the relationship between international relations and security, the effects of non-human actors in politics, and more. Global in scope, this book: Highlights a diverse range of globally-oriented issues, such as global inequality, that demonstrate the need for critical political geographyDemonstrates how critiques of political geography intersect with decolonial, feminist, and queer movementsCovers the Eurocentric origins of many of the discipline’s key conceptsIntegrates advances in political geography theory and firsthand accounts of innovative research from rising scholars in the fieldExplores both intimate stories from everyday life and abstract concepts central to contemporary political geographyPolitical Geography: A Critical Introduction is an ideal resource for students in political and feminist geography, as well as graduate students and researchers seeking an overview of the discipline.

Discover the hydrosocial cycle and the impact of power, knowledge, and scarcity on water rights and use through this engaging and student-friendly textbook In Water: A Critical Introduction, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an expert examination of our most pressing water-related challenges, arguing that flows of water are shaped by social practices and geometries of power. Combining first-hand research and headline case studies, the authors reveal the hydrosocial relations often hidden in mainstream accounts of water, delving into current issues like water scarcity, floods, global water governance, legal conflicts, human rights, potable water provision, health, the water-food-energy nexus, and much more. Spanning five centuries, this comprehensive volume reflects on how imperial expansion has shaped hydrosocial relations in and between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, how water demand has changed over time, and how this change impacted lifestyle. As the first major text to synthesize critical water research in both local and global perspectives, this book is anchored by clear and compelling arguments — the "four planks" — and supported by the authors' original research and up-to-date synthesis of the latest critical research on major water problems. It also includes maps, illustrations, and additional learning materials to be used by educators. Readers will find: A lively and thorough introduction that explains why a critical approach is necessary to fully understand our current water challenges, with a focus on the "skeptical superhero"A global approach to key debates in water issues, including large dams, privatization, transboundary conflicts, agriculture and irrigation, water and sanitation provision, human rights, governance dilemmas, and the Sustainable Development GoalsComprehensive explorations of the roles played by expert knowledge, global capital, climate change, and justice struggles in the hydrosocial cycleCritical theoretical perspectives that integrate environmental social sciences, feminist critique, and a broadly defined political economy with the specificities of water resourcesFulsome treatments of water governance, science, and management, including the origins and implications of neoliberal approaches to the privatization, commodification, and financialization of waterAn accessible text that "invites the reader" on a critical journeyWater: A Critical Introduction is a key text for advanced high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who want a keener understanding of trends in environmental management, political ecology, and water governance, science, and engineering. Written with an interdisciplinary audience in mind, this book will benefit students taking courses in environmental studies, environmental law, geopolitics, international studies, human geography, hydrology, engineering, environmental economics, and related disciplines.

A comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the conceptual tools used to explore real-world environmental problems Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction, Third Edition demonstrates how theoretical approaches such as environmental ethics, political economy, and social construction work as conceptual tools to identify and clarify contemporary environmental issues. Assuming no background knowledge in the subject, this reader-friendly textbook uses clear language and engaging examples to first describe nine key conceptual tools, and then apply them to a variety of familiar objects—from bottled water and French fries to trees, wolves, and carbon dioxide. Throughout the text, highly accessible chapters provide insight into the relationship between the environment and present-day society. Divided into two parts, the text begins by explaining major theoretical approaches for interpreting the environment-society relationship and discussing different perspectives about environmental problems. Part II examines a series of objects, each viewed through a sample of the theoretical tools from Part I, helping readers think critically about critical environmental topics such as deforestation, climate change, the global water supply, and hazardous e-waste. This fully revised third edition stresses a wider range of competing ways of thinking about environmental issues and features additional cases studies, up-to-date conceptual understandings, and new chapters in Part I on racializd environments and feminist approaches. Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction, Third Edition:  Covers theoretical lenses such as commodities, environmental ethics, and risks and hazards, and applies them to touchstone environment-society objects like wolves, tuna, trees, and carbon dioxide  Uses a conversational narrative to explain key historical events, topical issues and policies, and scientific concepts Features substantial revisions and updates, including new chapters on feminism and race, and improved maps and illustrations Includes a wealth of in-book and online resources, including exercises and boxed discussions, chapter summaries, review questions, references, suggested readings, an online test bank, and internet links Provides additional instructor support such as suggested teaching models, full-color PowerPoint slides, and supplementary teaching material Retaining the innovative approach of its predecessors, Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction, Third Edition remains the ideal textbook for courses in environmental issues, environmental science, and nature and society theory.

An accessible and engaging introduction to geographic thought In the newly expanded Second Edition of Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction, renowned scholar Tim Cresswell delivers a thoroughly up-to-date and accessible examination of the major thinkers and key theoretical developments in the field. Coverage of the complete range of the development of theoretical knowledge—from ancient geography to contemporary theory—appears alongside treatments of the influence of Darwin and Marx, the emergence of anarchist geographies, the impact of feminism, and myriad other central bodies of thought. This latest edition also includes new chapters on physical geography and theory, postcolonialism and decoloniality, and black geographies. The author emphasizes the importance of geographic thought and its relevance to our understanding of what it means to be human and to the people, places, and cultures of the world in which we live. This new edition contains: New examples throughout consisting of contemporary research from a wider range of geographical contexts and by geographers from diverse backgrounds Comprehensive explorations of physical geography that combine updated coverage from the first edition with brand new material Updated discussions of spatial science and quantitative methods that include considerations of the role of place and specificity in quantitative work In-depth examinations of the Anthropocene, the uses of assemblage theory, and the emergence of the GeoHumanities. Perfect for students of undergraduate and graduate courses in geographic thought, Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction will also earn a place in the libraries of students and scholars researching the history and philosophy of geography, as well as practicing geographers.

Highly accessible and forward-looking text for student courses on the issues we face around energy, society, and the environment This volume in the celebrated Critical Introductions to Geography series offers a concise introduction to the social, technical, and environmental issues related to the extraction, production, generation, disposal, and use of energy. It provides a well-rounded overview, including perspectives on energy supply and the economic sectors in which energy is used. Energy, Society and Environment utilizes a comprehensive approach from the principles of energy production through to consumption and public policy. An extensive range of examples and illustrations have been designed to bring the subject to life for an international readership. An interdisciplinary analysis of the supply side and of the natural resource and economic sectors in which energy is used from a much-needed social science perspective is also included. In Energy, Society and Environment, readers can expect to learn about: Social and environmental dimensions of energy development and use, across various natural resource geographies and global commodity chains. Different primary energy sources, physical principles underlying power generation and storage, means of transformation, and social and environmental challengesPolitical, economic, cultural, and design considerations, together with the policy dimensions of energy procurement, consumption, and pollution.How the energy issues faced by society today are entangled in deeper social and environmental contextsMultifaceted obstacles to decarbonizing energy use while also meeting goals of sustainability and environmental justiceA thought-provoking and accessible textbook, Energy, Society and Environment is a key resource to familiarize students with the range of issues at the intersection of energy, society, and the environment, connecting them to the many areas of expertise needed to solve humanity’s energy challenges.

This comprehensive textbook offers a conceptual and practical introduction to research methodology, data collection, and techniques used in both human and physical geography. Explores a full range of contemporary geographic techniques, including statistics, mathematical analysis, GIS, and remote sensingUnique in both content and organization, it brings together a team of internationally recognized specialists to create a balanced approach between physical geography, human geography, and research techniquesIncludes a series of foundational chapters offering multiple perspectives on the central questions in research methodsExamines the conceptual frameworks and practical issues behind data acquisition and analysis, and how to interpret resultsIncludes explanations of key terminology and exercises throughout

This comprehensive textbook offers a conceptual and practical introduction to research methodology, data collection, and techniques used in both human and physical geography. Explores a full range of contemporary geographic techniques, including statistics, mathematical analysis, GIS, and remote sensingUnique in both content and organization, it brings together a team of internationally recognized specialists to create a balanced approach between physical geography, human geography, and research techniquesIncludes a series of foundational chapters offering multiple perspectives on the central questions in research methodsExamines the conceptual frameworks and practical issues behind data acquisition and analysis, and how to interpret resultsIncludes explanations of key terminology and exercises throughout

Exploring a wide range of issues, from the integration of the world economy to how contemporary processes are shaping and shaped by nation-states and how workers are organizing transnationally in response to transformations in the planet’s economic geography, Geographies of Globalization is a critical examination of what has become the leitmotif of our contemporary world. Challenges neoliberal assumptions on the nature of globalization Provides a conceptual overview of how globalization is a spatial process and of its relation to capitalism Explores whether we are in fact living in a more ‘globalized’ world or only in a more ‘internationalized’ one Considers arguments concerning whether ‘globalization’ is a new phenomenon or simply the latest manifestation of processes many hundreds of years in the making Focuses on how nation-states have shaped, and been shaped by, contemporary processes of ‘globalization’, how ‘globalization’ has been imagined discursively, and how workers are responding to such processes Explores how workers are creating new organizing strategies in response to ‘globalization’

Exploring a wide range of issues, from the integration of the world economy to how contemporary processes are shaping and shaped by nation-states and how workers are organizing transnationally in response to transformations in the planet’s economic geography, Geographies of Globalization is a critical examination of what has become the leitmotif of our contemporary world. Challenges neoliberal assumptions on the nature of globalization Provides a conceptual overview of how globalization is a spatial process and of its relation to capitalism Explores whether we are in fact living in a more ‘globalized’ world or only in a more ‘internationalized’ one Considers arguments concerning whether ‘globalization’ is a new phenomenon or simply the latest manifestation of processes many hundreds of years in the making Focuses on how nation-states have shaped, and been shaped by, contemporary processes of ‘globalization’, how ‘globalization’ has been imagined discursively, and how workers are responding to such processes Explores how workers are creating new organizing strategies in response to ‘globalization’

Mapping: A Critical Introduction to Cartography and GIS is an introduction to the critical issues surrounding mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across a wide range of disciplines for the non-specialist reader. Examines the key influences Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cartography have on the study of geography and other related disciplinesRepresents the first in-depth summary of the “new cartography” that has appeared since the early 1990sProvides an explanation of what this new critical cartography is, why it is important, and how it is relevant to a broad, interdisciplinary set of readersPresents theoretical discussion supplemented with real-world case studiesBrings together both a technical understanding of GIS and mapping as well as sensitivity to the importance of theory

Mapping: A Critical Introduction to Cartography and GIS is an introduction to the critical issues surrounding mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across a wide range of disciplines for the non-specialist reader. Examines the key influences Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cartography have on the study of geography and other related disciplinesRepresents the first in-depth summary of the “new cartography” that has appeared since the early 1990sProvides an explanation of what this new critical cartography is, why it is important, and how it is relevant to a broad, interdisciplinary set of readersPresents theoretical discussion supplemented with real-world case studiesBrings together both a technical understanding of GIS and mapping as well as sensitivity to the importance of theory

Geographies of Media and Communication From the invention of the telegraph to the emergence of the Internet, communications technologies have transformed the ways that people and places relate to each other. Geographies of Media and Communication is the first textbook to treat all aspects of geography’s variegated encounter with communication. Connecting geographical ideas with communication theories such as intertextuality, audience-centered theory, and semiotics, Paul C. Adams explores media representations of places, the spatial diffusion of communication technologies, and the power of communication technologies to transform places, and to dictate who does and does not belong in them.

Geographies of Media and Communication From the invention of the telegraph to the emergence of the Internet, communications technologies have transformed the ways that people and places relate to each other. Geographies of Media and Communication is the first textbook to treat all aspects of geography’s variegated encounter with communication. Connecting geographical ideas with communication theories such as intertextuality, audience-centered theory, and semiotics, Paul C. Adams explores media representations of places, the spatial diffusion of communication technologies, and the power of communication technologies to transform places, and to dictate who does and does not belong in them.

Introducing the debates that inform current social geographic research and theory and interrogating the historical development of social geography, Social Geography: A Critical Introduction explores how urban and rural spaces are organized in ways that construct and maintain social inequality. Puts into context the assumptions of various strains of social geographic thought as they have developed historicallyAssists students in addressing key social geographic questions and methodologiesProvides a showcase for cutting edge work in the fieldIs written in an accessible and lively style, setting out a wide breadth of social geographic research

Introducing the debates that inform current social geographic research and theory and interrogating the historical development of social geography, Social Geography: A Critical Introduction explores how urban and rural spaces are organized in ways that construct and maintain social inequality. Puts into context the assumptions of various strains of social geographic thought as they have developed historicallyAssists students in addressing key social geographic questions and methodologiesProvides a showcase for cutting edge work in the fieldIs written in an accessible and lively style, setting out a wide breadth of social geographic research

This engaging and accessible introduction to geographic thought explores the major thinkers and key theoretical developments in the field of human geography. Covers the complete range of the development of theoretical knowledge of the field, from ancient geography to contemporary non-representational theoryPresents theories in an accessible manner through the author's engaging writing styleExamines the influence of Darwin and Marx, the emergence of anarchist geographies, the impact of feminism, and myriad other important bodies of thoughtStresses the importance of geographic thought and its relevance to our understanding of what it is to be human, and to the people, places, and cultures of the world in which we live

Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction is an overview of the diverse conceptual tools and traditions for thinking about, explaining and addressing the environmental challenges we face in the contemporary world. Provides an introduction to the environmental challenges we face in the contemporary world through foundational theoretical ideas illustrated with concrete, everyday examplesUtilizes compelling, conversational language to expound on theory, history, and scientific topics, making the text accessible to a diverse readershipDraws upon contemporary theoretical understandings in nature/society theory while demonstrating through practice and deploymentIncludes discussion of key historical events, topical issues, and policies, as well as scientific concepts

Urban Geography a comprehensive introduction to a variety of issues relating to contemporary urban geography, including patterns and processes of urbanization, urban development, urban planning, and life experiences in modern cities. Reveals both the diversity of ordinary urban geographies and the networks, flows and relations which increasingly connect cities and urban spaces at the global scaleUses the city as a lens for proposing and developing critical concepts which show how wider social processes, relations, and power structures are changingConsiders the experiences, lives, practices, struggles, and words of ordinary urban residents and marginalized social groups rather than exclusively those of urban elitesShows readers how to develop critical perspectives on dominant neoliberal representations of the city and explore the great diversity of urban worlds