Diversity, representation, and the limits of engaged pluralism in (economic) geography. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosenman, Emily; Loomis, Jessa; Kay, Kelly
• Is Part Of: Progress in human geography. Volume 44:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 510
• Page End: 533
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: economic geography -- engaged pluralism -- feminist -- knowledge production -- diversity; Human geography -- Periodicals; 304.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0309132519833453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1325

Abstract

Within geography writ large, and economic geography in particular, there has been increasing interest in 'engaged pluralism' – defined by its proponents as lively and respectful engagement across theoretical, methodological, and topical lines – to increase diversity and build mutual respect among scholars. Drawing on feminist and postcolonial scholarship, we offer a sympathetic critique of engaged pluralism, grounded in a review of publishing trends in economic geography. Our findings reveal theoretical inertia around particular topics and paradigms, as well as low rates of publishing participation from women. We close with a discussion of engagement, reciprocity, and meaningful contact.