Germany: Geographies of Complexity

This book explores the complex spatial, social, cultural, and demographic structures of Germany, focusing on the reciprocal relations between different levels of spatial development. It discusses the historical development of Germany as a background to understand the development of spatially relevant ideas and ideals. The book adopts a neopragmatic approach to bring together different theoretical strands and provide a basis for independent regional geographic research. It highlights the influence of the material substrate on landscape notions and discusses questions of divergence and convergence in past and present economic, political, and demographic developments. Case study regions are used to illustrate the challenges of structural change and efforts to address them. The book demonstrates how theory-driven regional geographic research can make spatiotemporal complexities tangible and comprehensible.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate and multifaceted spatial, social, cultural, and demographic structures of Germany, placing a special emphasis on the reciprocal relationships between different levels of spatial development. The historical evolution of Germany acts as a backdrop, providing context for the emergence of spatially relevant ideas and ideals, whether in the realm of politics, landscape, or culture. Consequently, questions of divergence and convergence become central to understanding the complexities of spatial and social developments in Germany.

The book aims to make the complexity of spatial and social developments in Germany accessible and understandable. By adopting a neopragmatic approach, it brings together diverse theoretical strands while simultaneously providing a foundation for independent regional geographic research. The book begins with an overview of Germany's physical structures, serving as the foundation for the societal development of the country. Key aspects of German history are discussed, with particular attention paid to the reciprocal influence between the material substrate and notions of landscape. This exploration reveals distinct "German trajectories of aesthetic and normative conceptions of landscape."

A recurring theme throughout the book is the examination of divergence and convergence, which becomes evident when considering past and present economic, political, and demographic developments. Efforts to address current challenges, such as adapting to climate change and mitigating its effects, or securing raw materials, become apparent. The book showcases the complexity of spatial processes in Germany through case study regions that grapple with the challenges of structural change in traditional industrial regions (such as the Ruhr area), or in the case of Berlin's efforts to establish itself as the capital of a unified Germany.

Overall, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of Germany's spatial and social dynamics, shedding light on the complex interplay between physical structures, historical development, and societal aspirations. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Germany as it navigates a rapidly changing world, and serves as a resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the spatial dimensions of Germany's past, present, and future.

Weight: 964g
Dimension: 277 x 212 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030929558
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022