Socialist Geography

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Salmon ◽  
Andrew Herod
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Production Of Knowledge ◽  
Intellectual Engagement ◽  
Political Act ◽  
Just Society ◽  
Material Conditions ◽  
The 1960S

The production of knowledge is a political act. As such, geographical knowledge reflects and embodies the material conditions and social relations existing at the time of its production. This recognition serves as our point of intellectual engagement with Geography in America at the Dawn of the Twenty-First Century and provides the framework within which we interpret a number of changes within “socialist” geography during the 1990s. Thus, in this chapter we do not subscribe to a progressivist account of intellectual practice, one that proposes a model of social progress towards an ultimate “truth” through the teleology of reason, technology, production, and so on. Rather, our review of socialist geography in this chapter is a problematizing and contextualizing one, a treatment that seeks to remain open to both historical transformation and geographical particularity, and to the recognition that knowledge production is a discursive act that is inherently reflective of power relations. Believing that the production of knowledge and the creation of a more just society are inextricably linked processes, leftist geographers have historically sought to challenge those bodies of knowledge that maintain (implicitly or explicitly) the current economic and political structures of society that favor the haves over the have-nots, encourage environmental destruction in the pursuit of profit, foster racism and patriarchal systems of living, and generally reinforce social inequality and hinder the pursuit of social justice. Drawing precisely upon this notion that the production of knowledge is a political act, socialist geographers in the late 1960s came together to “promote critical analysis of geographic phenomena, cognizant of geographic research on the well-being of social classes; to investigate the issue of radical change toward a more collective society; and to discover the impact of economic growth upon environmental quality and upon social equity” (Socialist Geography Specialty Group 1999). Although the broad political goals of the Socialist Geography Specialty Group (SGSG) have not changed since the 1960s, the fact that the world has been transformed dramatically in the interceding years means that the focus and approaches adopted by leftist geographers within the AAG (and elsewhere) have, of necessity, evolved to meet these challenges and new realities.

scholarly journals POSTANARCHISM AS A PHILOSOPHY OF RADICAL POLITICS

2020 ◽  
pp. 34-43
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Conceptual Modeling ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Radical Politics ◽  
Protest Movements ◽  
Discursive Analysis ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Left Movement

The article presents the postanarchist conceptualization of radical politics. The methodology of this study was a critical analysis and use of historical and philosophical methods, the method of contextualism, the method of discursive analysis. In connection with the intensification of protest movements, including those aimed at combating the omnipotence of the state, the spread of the ideology of anti-globalization is growing theoretical interest in anarchism. Anarchism today is not the only political doctrine. This is a large family of like-minded people, united by hostility to uncontrolled power, distrust of the hierarchy and optimistic belief in the ability of ordinary people to control their lives and organize social relations on the basis of freedom, equality and solidarity. In the framework of the announced “anarchist turn”, anarchism is manifested as the basis of radical policy in recent times. The theoretical foundations of modern anarchism remain poorly understood. Modern political radicalism is based on a certain philosophy, which in a new way substantiates the ideas and actions in the socio-political sphere, aimed at radical change of existing social institutions. This is a philosophy of action, struggle, protest. Postanarchism is seen as a new view of radical politics. The features of philosophical essentialism as the basis of conceptual modeling in classical anarchism are formulated. Postanarchism is presented as a philosophy that avoids essentialism, its tools are analyzed. The connection between the left movement of the 1960s and modern post-capitalist movements is analyzed. Political theory here is further developed, ceases to be abstract, filled with human meaning. Within the framework of the “anarchist turn” there is a gradual destruction of the main stereotypes or narratives about anarchism (about its theoretical insolvency, unscientificity, utopianism) formed over many years in literature and public opinion. It is proved that the theory of anarchism is constantly evolving and updated over time in order to find solutions to acute social, political and economic problems. The author sees the prospects of post-anarchism in its political philosophy, which has certain values. In the modern era, such a philosophy was supplanted by positivist political science in theory and for the triumph of moral nihilism and relativism in practice. The obtained results allow us to find out what distinguishes modern anarchism as a movement and philosophy from the left movements of the past and the features of the theoretical language of description of the modern protest movement.

Choosing to Live Well

2020 ◽  
pp. 64-78
Author(s):  
F Stuart Chapin
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Social Rules ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Material Conditions ◽  
Technology And Economy

All people need similar things to ensure a happy and satisfying life. This chapter describes how these needs can be sustained today and for future generations. Immediate human needs include food and water, safety and health, love and belonging through social relationships, self-esteem and respect from others, and capacity to address broad spiritual and societal goals. Surprisingly, among people who live above the poverty line, wealth and material possessions are usually less important to life satisfaction than are these other elements. Instead, values that shape people’s goals, education, cultural and social rules that sustain social relationships, environmental and human health, and technology and economy are the most important foundations for long-term empowerment and well-being. International aid has substantially improved people’s material conditions in poor countries but has done less to improve social relations and empowerment.

Beyond GDP: The Quest for a Measure of Social Welfare. Part II

2012 ◽  
pp. 32-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Fleurbaey
Keyword(s):  
Social Welfare ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Welfare Economics ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Beyond Gdp

The second part of the paper is devoted to the non-monetary indicators of social welfare. Various approaches to the study of subjective well-being and happiness are described. The author shows what problems a researcher would encounter trying to analyze welfare on the micro-level and to take account of the cognitive and affective aspects of the individuals assessment of their well-being, as well as the relevance of social relations. The author also shows to what extent the alternative approaches, particularly the analysis of functionings and capabilities advanced by A. Sen are compatible to the modern welfare economics and what prospects the latter has.

scholarly journals Planned relocation in Peru: advancing from well-meant legislation to good practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Market Access ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Hazard Exposure ◽  
Material Conditions ◽  
Vulnerable Households ◽  
Strategic Solution

AbstractAlong Peru’s rainforest rivers, rising flood extremes are increasingly exceeding coping capacities of vulnerable households. Peru has detailed legislation that embraces planned relocation as a strategic solution to such situations and various relocation projects are underway across the country. This research brief analyzes well-being consequences for two communities requesting relocation, using qualitative data collected from experts and 30 affected people. Initial results emphasize that weak governance, poverty, third-party involvement, and community action have influenced relocation outcomes. Delays and fragmented implementation have threatened people’s well-being. One community, waiting for land to relocate since 2015, has suffered from continued hazard exposure, deteriorated material conditions, and reduced subjective well-being. The second community achieved relocation only after a decade in detrimental limbo. Although livelihood challenges persist, its inhabitants now benefit from better market access and decreased exposure, leading to higher subjective well-being. With rising needs for relocation worldwide, the cases highlight that detailed legislation is not sufficient to safeguard people’s well-being. Advancing from well-meant legislation to good practice requires adequate institutional capacity, effective mechanisms for oversight and accountability, better engagement of third parties, and dedicated efforts to strengthen community agency.

The Stabilisation of the Capitalist Order and Liberal Value Orientations in Serbia

Südosteuropa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-407
Author(s):  
Mladen Lazić ◽  
Jelena Pešić
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Value Orientations ◽  
Economic Liberalism ◽  
The Social ◽  
Value Changes ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Normative Value ◽  
Value Dissonance

AbstractBased on research data from 2003, 2012, and 2018, the authors examine the extent to which capitalist social relations in Serbia have determined liberal value orientations. The change of the social order in Serbia after 1990 brought about a radical change of the basis upon which values are constituted. To interpret the relationship between structural and value changes, the authors employ the theory of normative-value dissonance. Special attention in the analysis is paid to the interpretation of value changes based on the distinction between intra- and inter-systemic normative-value dissonance. In the first part of their study, the authors examine changes in the acceptance of liberal values over the period of consolidation of capitalism in Serbia, while in the second part they focus on the 2018 data and specific predictors of political and economic liberalism.

scholarly journals When Machines Take the Beans: Ex-Ante Socioeconomic Impact Evaluation of Mechanized Harvesting of Mungbean in Bangladesh and Myanmar

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 925
Author(s):  
Lutz Depenbusch ◽  
Cathy Rozel Farnworth ◽  
Pepijn Schreinemachers ◽  
Thuzar Myint ◽  
Md Monjurul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Farm Work ◽  
Weather Shocks ◽  
Budget Analysis ◽  
Ex Ante ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
The Impact

Agricultural mechanization has spread across much of Asia since the 1960s. It has increased agricultural productivity and reduced arduous farm work. However, differing impacts for smallholders and hired laborers, and for men and women, require careful consideration. This study analyzed, ex-ante, the likely social and economic tradeoffs of mechanizing the mungbean harvest in Bangladesh and Myanmar. We used a mixed methods approach combining survey data from 852 farm households with in-depth interviews in four villages. Partial budget analysis shows that mechanical harvesting of mungbean is not yet profitable for most farms. There is nevertheless an incentive to mechanize as the associated timeliness of the harvest reduces the risk of harvest losses from weather shocks. Men and women farmers expect time savings and reduced drudgery. The results confirm that hired workers depend on manual harvesting for income and status in both countries. Most hired workers are landless married women with limited access to other sources of income. In the short term, farmers are likely to combine manual harvests and a final mechanized harvest of the indeterminate crop. This could mediate the impact on hired workers. However, in the long term, it will be necessary to facilitate income-generating opportunities for women in landless rural families to maintain their well-being and income.

Constructivist Moral Realism

1998 ◽  
pp. 147-153
Author(s):  
J. K. Swindler
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Moral Realism ◽  
Social Ontology ◽  
Social Reality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social World ◽  
Moral Law ◽  
Social Morality ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Realm

We are social animals in the sense that we spontaneously invent and continuously re-invent the social realm. But, not unlike other artifacts, once real, social relations, practices, institutions, etc., obey prior laws, some of which are moral laws. Hence, with regard to social reality, we ought to be ontological constructivists and moral realists. This is the view sketched here, taking as points of departure Searle's recent work on social ontology and May's on group morality. Moral and social selves are distinguished to acknowledge that social reality is constructed but social morality is not. It is shown how and why moral law requiring respect for the dignity and well being of agents governs a social world comprising roles that are real only because of their occupants' social intentions.

Gaming the gamer? – The ethics of exploiting psychological research in video games

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny Hartz Søraker
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ethical implications of video game companies employing psychologists and using psychological research in game design. Design/methodology/approach The author first argues that exploiting psychology in video games may be more ethically problematic than familiar application domains like advertising, gambling and political rhetoric. Then an overview of the effects particular types of game design may have on user behavior is provided, taking into account various findings and phenomena from behavioral psychology and behavioral economics. Findings Finally, the author concludes that the corresponding ethical problems cannot – and should not – be addressed by means of regulation or rating systems. The author argues instead that a more promising countermeasure lies in using the same psychological research to educate gamers (children in particular) and thereby increase their capacity for meta-cognition. Originality/value The importance of this lies in the tremendous effect these behavior-modifying technologies may have upon our self-determination, well-being and social relations, as well as corresponding implications for the society.

‘The Beast within’: Race, Humanity, and Animality

10.1068/d229 ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Recent Work ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Ontological Status ◽  
Western Thought ◽  
Colonial Power ◽  
Western Model ◽  
Specific Material ◽  
Material Conditions ◽  
Nature And Society ◽  
Sydney Australia

Recent years have seen efforts to critique the dichotomy of ‘nature’ and ‘society’ in Western thought, and to demonstrate their coconstruction under specific material conditions. As yet, however, little work has uncovered the discourses of animality that lie buried within a social field whose ontological status until recently has been securely ‘human’. In this paper, I show how Western concepts of animality have circulated across the nature border and into a politics of social relations. Concepts of savagery and vulgarity can, in particular, be found within racialised representational systems with whose historicity, I will be suggesting, we can make fresh critical engagements. In much recent work on colonial power formations, ‘othering’ practices have been implicitly conceived within a psychoanalytic frame—one in which the white self's ‘interior beasts’ are anxiously displaced onto an externalised other. Whilst not refuting the efficacy of repression I wish to historicise the workings of a peculiar western model of the Human self, ‘split’ into physical ‘animal’ and cultural ‘human’. This is done both through an extended theoretical account, followed by a microstudy of geographies of savagery and civility in Sydney, Australia.

Social Indicators: For Individual Well-Being or Social Control?

1980 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Nectoux ◽  
John Lintott ◽  
Roy Carr-Hill
Keyword(s):  
Social Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Social Planning ◽  
Modern Capitalism ◽  
Social Concerns ◽  
The World ◽  
Social Statistics ◽  
Direct Use

This article is concerned with the way that social statistics reflect particular views of the world, and focuses on the specific case of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's program to develop a set of social indicators. Some illustrations of previous attempts to collect social indicators are given, but the bulk of the article discusses the series of contradictions which regulate the generation and use of statistics by governments, the principal one being between measures which play the ideological role of displaying economic and social “progress” and measures which are of direct use in social planning. This is discussed both for social indicators in general and for social concerns linked to the measurement of health. The article ends with an attempt to evaluate the future of the OECD program within the development of modern capitalism.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document