Quantitative Human Geography: Are We Turning Full Circle?

摘要

The application of quantitative approaches remains a strong component within the portfolio of geographical practices. Sadly, however, it appears that many within human geography think otherwise, presenting it to students (notably in textbooks; Johnston 2006) as neither strong nor vital-if they think it worth mentioning at all. A range of rationales is presented for the exclusion, and many university departments no longer provide either (compulsory) introductory courses as parts of their core methods programs or substantive courses that draw heavily on their application. This situation provides a context within which reflections about the achievements of "quantitative geographers"-especially human geographers-have to be placed. While we celebrate achievements, we have to consider what is necessary to ensure that this set of geographical practices does not simply fade away-at least in the short term, perhaps to be revived (or reinvented, we are very good at forgetting our history) at some future date. It may be some consolation that we are not alone in this-similar situations can be observed in other social sciences (apart from economics)-which might help provide collective strength to our fight-back. Complacency is not an option.