"The biggest strength of the book is its pedagogic design, which will appeal to new entrants in the field but also leaves space for methodological debates... It is well suited for use on general courses but it also involves far more than an introduction and is full of theoretical insights for a more theoretically advanced audience." - Economic Geography Research Group In the last fifteen years economic geography has experienced a number of fundamental theoretical and methodological shifts. Politics and Practice in Economic Geography explains and interrogates these fundamental issues of research practice in the discipline. Concerned with examining the methodological challenges associated with that ′cultural turn′, the text explains and discusses: qualitative and ethnographic methodologies the role and significance of quantitative and numerical methods the methodological implications of both post-structural and feminist theories the use of case-study approaches the methodological relation between the economic geography and neoclassical economics, economic sociology, and economic anthropology. Leading contributors examine substantive methodological issues in economic geography and make a distinctive contribution to economic-geographical debate and practice.

Complements theoretical analysis with detailed discussions of the empirics of the economics of agglomeration, offering a mix of theoretical and empirical research that gives a fresh perspective on spatial disparities. This book provides an introduction to economic geography and includes history and background of the field of spatial economics.

This volume in the celebrated Critical Introductions to Geography series introduces readers to the vibrant discipline of economic geography. The authors provide an original definition of the discipline, and they make a strong case for its vital importance in understanding the dynamic interconnections, movements, and emerging trends shaping our globalized world. Economic Geography addresses the key theories and methods that form the basis of the discipline, and describes its “communities of practice” and relations to related fields including economics and sociology. Numerous illustrative examples explore how economic geographers examine the world and how and why the discipline takes the forms it does, demonstrating the critical value of economic geography to making sense of globalization, uneven development, money and finance, urbanization, environmental change, and industrial and technological transformation. Engaging and thought-provoking, Economic Geography: A Critical Introduction is the ideal resource for students studying across a range of subject areas, as well as the general reader with an interest in world affairs and economics.

Economic Geography is a comprehensive introduction to this growing field, providing students with a vibrant and distinctive geographical insight into the economy. Contrasts a distinctively geographical approach with popular conceptions and assumptions in economics and management studies Debates a wide range of topics including economic discourses, uneven development, commodity chains, technology and agglomeration, the commodification of nature, states, transnational corporations, labour, consumption, economic cultures, gender, and ethnic economies Is richly illustrated with examples, vignettes, and case studies drawn from a variety of sectors around the world Is written in a clear, engaging and lively style Includes a rich array of photos, figures, text boxes, sample essay questions and annotated lists of further reading

Today’s rapidly flowing global economy, hit by recession following the financial crisis of 2008/9, means the geographical economic perspective has never been more important. An Introduction to Economic Geography comprehensively guides you through the core issues and debates of this vibrant and exciting area, whilst also exploring the range of approaches and paradigms currently invigorating the wider discipline. Rigorous and accessible, the authors demystify and enliven a crucial subject for geographical study. Underpinned by the themes of globalisation, uneven development and place, the text explores the diversity and vitality of contemporary economic geography. It balances coverage of 'traditional' areas such as regional development and labour markets with insight into new and evolving topics like neoliberalism, consumption, creativity and alternative economic practices. An Introduction to Economic Geography is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in Economic Geography, Globalisation Studies and more broadly in Human Geography. It will also be of key interest to anyone in Planning, Business and Management Studies and Economics.