Evaluation of the Contribution of Marxist Thought in Geography - Coursework Example

Evaluation of the Contribution of Marxist Thought in Geography In the field of geography, the Marxist view is one of the most influential thought. This can be attributed to the fact that Marxism can also be viewed as an important philosophy in the social structure. The main thoughts that are included in the Marxists view on geography are existential phenomenology, radical geography, structuralism and the related theory as well as the relationship of other thoughts such as realism, poststructuralism and postmodernism (Peet “Modern…” 128). Defining Marxist Geography Marxism had been used to provide a distinct view on the geography of the human population due to the fact that it had provided principles to understand the society through the explanation of geographical relationships and social structures. The presented principles analysed the geography through spatial distribution of human population which can be mainly based on the needs of the people which are generalized as related to the production of different materials and goods (Peet “An Introduction…” 5). Due to the fact that Marxism can be considered to present a radical view on the traditional social structure, the main objective of the paper is to be able to present the influence of the said views in the development of the geographical thought and discipline. There are different points that can be considered of importance in the study. Analysis of the Different Concepts in the Marxist Geography One of the most dominant points presented by Marxist geography is the criticism on the spatial science due to the importance that is given to the establishment of methodologies. The main priority in the study of geography according to Marxism is the focus on capitalism and use of resources that can greatly affect the spatial distribution of the human population (Peet “An Introduction…” 5). In the analysis of the said point presented, it can be considered that the Marxist principle had made an innovation in the field of study that can countercheck the view of other geographical experts. This resulted to the incorporation of new views that are considered to have changed the development of the discipline of geography. One is the incorporation of the information of economic data in the study of geography. In relation, the social and economic theories of Marxist had been influential in the study and practice of certain groups of geographers who focused on historical materialism and production. Based on one of the views of the author Peet, one of the main contributions of Marxist geography is the capability of being able to explain the interrelationship between components that can be considered as an important way to understand the society as a whole. For that matter, the science of geography had been composed of organized components that can be studied in independence yet can still be understood to fit the whole (Peet “Modern…” 128). The principle of Marxist geography is composed of two primary concepts. One is the relationship between the social structures and the physical environment which is referred to as the natural world. And the second is the interrelationships that are present within the different types of environment (Peet “Modern…” 128). The mere inclusion of the said issues can be considered as an important view to have and to achieve a thorough investigation of the very specific issues that are needed to be dealt with in the field of geography (Peet “Modern…” 128). These two concepts that are presented are referred to as the “environmental relations” within the social structures. The said concepts are aimed to achieve an understanding of the components of the field of geography intensively. Through this, a different level of understanding can be accomplished that can help the researchers and students of the field to understand and share the concepts that are related to historical materialism, the modes of production, spatial influences between the environment and the intrinsic components in a system (Peet “Modern…” 128). At a view, the Marxist geography can be considered to have presented a soul to the field due to the fact that although the concept is controversial, the concepts included in the principle can be considered of importance not only in geography but in other related fields. For that matter, the holistic view had been achieved despite of the fact that it is based on the attention given to specific issues. The study of the specific concepts, interactions and relationships can be considered as the foundation of the principles incorporated in the Marxist geography. It is then the main basis of the contributions that it had presented to the field of geography. This can be attributed to the fact that as the social interactions and social systems changed, the geography is altered as well. Criticisms on the Views by Marx Related to Geography Due to the manner of presentation and being radical, the Marxist theories had been criticized extensively on the basis of different points. The criticism had been targeting both the general and the specific issues that are related to the views of Marx. One of the main criticisms is in relation to being extensively based on capitalism and the different mechanisms that are related to the concept. This had been considered as a limited view on the capability of the effect of human influence on the development and alteration of geography. Marxist geography gives importance to the interactions within the social system but not to the human faculty that constitute the said system (Peet “Modern…” 128). The criticisms on this aspect can in some part be considered as giving more importance to the human capabilities rather than the main focus if the field which is the geographical concepts. Thus, certain groups are inclined to present that the shortcomings of human geography that is being advocated by the critics are needed to be considered as well. Another criticism is related to the feasibility of the Marxist geography principles in the modern era of industrialism and capitalist society. This can be another hindrance since the social structures and social interactions can drastically evolve and be altered through generations and eras (Peet “Modern…” 128). These criticisms that are presented can be considered as important tools for the evaluation of the influence of the Marxist view on geography. On a general view of the contributions of the Marxist principle on the field of geography, it can be considered as a normal issue that there are advocates and critics of the theory. The important issue then is the manner that the said notion had contributed to the development of the field of geography. Conclusion In the study undertaken, the main aim is to be able to evaluate the contributions and effects of the Marxist principle to the development of geography as a discipline. Based on the different concepts and notions that are presented, it can be considered that Marxist view had an important impact in the development of geography as discipline. Geography can be considered as an essential field. On the basis of the principles presented and related to the Marxist view, the field of geography was able to develop extensively and successfully through the incorporation of the critical views on social structure. Marxist geography principles had contributed to the innovation of the line of research and study that the field of geography is taking. From being a scientifically structured organization of thought and information, the social structure importance had been incorporated thus altering the priorities of the field and considering a new point of view. The application to the present era though limited can be developed to suit the needs of the present generation as well as altering the radical ideas that are incorporated. With the core of the principle which is based on the importance of social structure system and the modern principles in the field of geography, continued development can still be undertaken. Works Cited Peet, Richard J. “The name assigned to the document by the author. This field may also contain sub-titles, series names, and report numbers.An Introduction to Marxist Geography.” Journal of Geography 84 (Jan-Feb 1985): 5. Peet, Richard J. Modern Geographical Thought. Wiley-Blackwell, 1998. Read More