The virtues of insularity: Pondering a new chapter in the historical geography of islands. Issue 12 (18th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldacchino, Godfrey; Starc, Nenad
• Is Part Of: Geography compass. Volume 15:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-10-18
• Subjects: ageing -- insularity -- pandemic -- population decline -- virtuous isolation; Geography -- Periodicals; Geography -- Research -- Periodicals; 910.5
• DOI: 10.1111/gec3.12596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-8198

Abstract

Abstract: We may be on the cusp of a renaissance in small island living. The slow but steady decline that characterised much of the industrial age seems to have been halted in some islands and in some countries – including Ireland and Croatia – and even reversed in some places (the Aran Islands). Using a broad sweep this exploratory article explains the broad historical phenomenon of small island youth outmigration, population decline or resettlement; and how this is being replaced with a newfound value in 'splendid isolation' that, however, boasts elements of connectivity (including access to the World Wide Web).