Geographical Fieldwork in the 21st Century

Fieldwork is a crucial component of geographical scholarship, but it is often overlooked in published work. This accessible collection brings together 18 stories of fieldwork from across geographies, showcasing the ongoing vibrancy of the field and its core attributes of innovation, commitment, and serendipity. It also illustrates how fieldwork is changing in response to new pressures of the 21st century neoliberal academy, new technologies, and social demand for collaborative, engaged, and ethical scholarship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Fieldwork is a fundamental aspect of geographical scholarship, encompassing a wide range of approaches that allow us to gain firsthand knowledge about the world. However, it is often overlooked in the published work of geographers, leaving important details about the challenges, failures, and methodological approaches used in fieldwork to be excluded.

To address this issue, this accessible collection brings together 18 previously overlooked stories, showcasing the ongoing vibrancy of geographical fieldwork in the 21st century. The 32 authors, representing various subfields within geography, employ a diverse range of methodological traditions, including ethnographic research, digital analysis, archival work, mixed methods, and more.

With concise and engaging contributions, Geographical Fieldwork in the 21st Century offers an invaluable resource for students across the social sciences who are navigating the complexities of fieldwork. The book highlights the core attributes of fieldwork, such as innovation, commitment, and serendipity, which continue to thrive in the contemporary landscape. It also illustrates how fieldwork is evolving in response to new pressures and challenges of the 21st century, including the neoliberal academy, the proliferation of new technologies, and the growing social demand for collaborative, engaged, and ethical scholarship.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal Geographical Review, highlighting the importance of fieldwork in geographical research and scholarship. By bringing these stories to light, the book contributes to a broader understanding of the field and its potential for shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367722395