{"product_id":"theory-and-explanation-in-geography-9781119845508","title":"Theory and Explanation in Geography","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eHenry Yeung's book \"Theory and Explanation in Geography\" puts Geography back into the driver's seat of new theory development, focusing on mid-range theories and mechanism-based explanations. It offers a pragmatic approach that can shape the wider social sciences, particularly in understanding and intervening in an increasingly distrustful and polarized world. The book engages with critical human geography and draws upon debates on the mechanism-based approach in other social sciences to inform geographical thinking. It identifies new directions for Geographys engagement with the wider social sciences and provides conceptual toolkits for mobilizing a research program in the 2020s and beyond. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 336 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 26 October 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: John Wiley \u0026amp; Sons Inc\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book \"Theory and Explanation in Geography\" by Henry Yeung is a groundbreaking work that reclaims geography as a driving force in the development of new theoretical ideas. By emphasizing mid-range theories and mechanism-based explanations, Yeung offers a pragmatic approach that has the potential to shape the wider social sciences for years to come. The timing of this intervention is particularly relevant in the current context, as scholars seek ways to understand and intervene in an increasingly distrustful and polarized world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \"Theory and Explanation in Geography,\" Yeung presents a compelling argument for geographical theory that incorporates causal explanations at its core. The book is both modest and ambitious. Modest in its insistence on mid-level theory without advocating for any particular \"turn\" or approach. Ambitious in its assertion that existing theoretical traditions lack causal explanatory power. Geographers will be inspired and\/or infuriated by Yeung's arguments in this provocative and cogently argued call to theoretical arms for many years to come.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCritical human geography possesses a distinctive theory culture characterized by pluralism, creativity, distribution, restlessness, and contestation. It is prone to \"turning,\" wary of orthodoxies and fixed positions. In this original and provocative contribution, the leading economic geographer Henry Yeung steps out beyond his home turf to engage styles and practices of theorizing across this diverse field. By carving out a new remit and rubric for middle-range theorizing, Yeung makes a significant contribution to the field of geography.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book is organized into three parts. The first part provides an overview of the theoretical landscape in geography, highlighting the need for a more robust causal explanation. The second part explores the potential of mid-range theories to provide such explanations, while the third part examines the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing these theories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThroughout the book, Yeung employs a clear and accessible writing style, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. He draws on a wide range of examples and case studies to illustrate his arguments, demonstrating the practical applications of his theoretical framework. Yeung also engages with other scholars in the field, presenting his ideas in a respectful and collaborative manner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key strengths of \"Theory and Explanation in Geography\" is its commitment to mid-range theories. Yeung argues that these theories offer a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the world than either grand narratives or reductionist approaches. By focusing on the mechanisms and processes that shape human-environment interactions, mid-range theories can provide a more accurate and empirically grounded account of the complex and interconnected world we live in.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother important aspect of the book is its emphasis on causal explanations. Yeung argues that without causal explanations, geography cannot fully explain the complex and dynamic processes that shape our world. He advocates for a more mechanistic approach to theorizing, which involves identifying the key variables and processes that drive change and then testing their explanatory power through empirical research.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, while \"Theory and Explanation in Geography\" offers a compelling argument for the importance of causal explanations in geography, it is not without its challenges. One of the criticisms that has been leveled against the book is its lack of engagement with other theoretical traditions, such as post-structuralism and critical theory. Yeung argues that these traditions are inadequate or incomplete insofar as they lack causal explanatory power, but he does not provide a detailed account of how his approach differs from them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother challenge is the potential for mid-range theories to become overly simplistic or reductionist. While Yeung advocates for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the world, he may inadvertently fall into the trap of oversimplifying complex processes or reducing them to a set of universal laws. This could lead to a narrow and limited understanding of geography that fails to capture the diversity and complexity of the world we live in.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, \"Theory and Explanation in Geography\" is a groundbreaking work that has the potential to transform the field of geography. By reclaiming geography as a driving force in the development of new theoretical ideas, Yeung offers a pragmatic approach that has the capacity to shape the wider social sciences for years to come. The book is a must-read for geographers, social scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and dynamic processes that shape our world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, \"Theory and Explanation in Geography\" by Henry Yeung is a groundbreaking work that reclaims geography as a driving force in the development of new theoretical ideas. By emphasizing mid-range theories and mechanism-based explanations, Yeung offers a pragmatic approach that has the potential to shape the wider social sciences for years to come. The book is a must-read for geographers, social scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and dynamic processes that shape our world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 506g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 152 x 230 x 22 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781119845508\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Henry Wai-chungYeung","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44705012285690,"sku":"9781119845508","price":22.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1698427409876_book.jpg?v=1698654238","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/theory-and-explanation-in-geography-9781119845508","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}