Prospects for Geography as an Interdisciplinary Discipline

Abstract

The drive to examine broad-ranging problems that encompass a complex mix of phenomena and processes has spurred the conduct of research that bridges traditional disciplines. Geographers have played active roles in many interdisciplinary projects, because geography itself is inherently interdisciplinary. Geography builds on major emphases in spatial analysis, human–environment interaction, and place-based and regional analyses to encourage communication and interaction with myriad other disciplines. The active pursuit of inquiries related to space, place, and interactions, especially dynamics within and across spaces and places, leads many geographers to range far from the field's core and explore the peripheral realms where geographic perspectives and insights intersect with those from other fields. Scholars who have engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations cite many positive aspects in working with colleagues from other fields, and they affirm their desire to conduct interdisciplinary work in the future despite the challenges they face when moving beyond comfortable disciplinary cores. Patience and open-mindedness are among the critical factors that foster success of interdisciplinary collaboration. Geographers should continue to show interdisciplinary leadership by embracing different perspectives, by supporting institutional arrangements that foster interdisciplinary activity, and by seeking the knowledge and techniques other fields can share at the same time they contribute geographic perspectives, approaches, and insights to the collective effort.