Question

Identify the correct statements about approaches in Geography.
Regional analysis was prevalent in Later Colonial period
Areal differentiation was the prominent approach in the 1930s
Emergence of humanistic, radical and behavioural schools took place in 1980s
Post-Modernism in Geography was prevalent in 1990s
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B) and (C) only
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Let's evaluate each statement to verify its correctness: 

• Regional analysis was prevalent in Later Colonial period: This statement is correct. Historical geography often involved regional studies, especially during the colonial period, aiding understanding of areas under colonial control.
• Areal differentiation was the prominent approach in the 1930s: This statement is correct. The concept of areal differentiation, which focuses on studying geographical uniqueness of areas, gained prominence during this time.
• Emergence of humanistic, radical and behavioural schools took place in 1980s: This statement is incorrect. These schools of thought emerged earlier, around the 1960s and 1970s.
• Post-Modernism in Geography was prevalent in 1990s: This statement is correct. Postmodern perspectives gained significant traction in geographical studies during the 1990s.

Thus, the correct combination of statements is (A), (B) and (D) only.

Answer 2

Geography as a discipline has evolved over time, with different schools of thought and analytical approaches emerging during specific periods. Below is a brief overview of these developments:

• Regional Analysis (Later Colonial Period): During the Later Colonial period, geography focused on studying regions in terms of their physical and cultural characteristics. This period emphasized understanding the spatial distribution of human activities and physical features. The aim was often to map and categorize regions, especially in colonized territories, and explore the relationships between humans and their environment. Colonial powers used regional analysis to manage resources, infrastructure, and human populations.
• Areal Differentiation (1930s): In the 1930s, areal differentiation emerged as a prominent approach. This concept, pioneered by Carl O. Sauer, sought to analyze the variations in cultural landscapes across different areas. Areal differentiation emphasized understanding the unique characteristics of specific regions, focusing on how human activity and culture shaped the landscape over time. The method involved detailed case studies and fieldwork, seeking to explain the physical and cultural factors that defined regions.
• Post-Modernism (1990s): Post-modernism emerged as a reaction to the rigid structures of earlier geographic schools of thought. In the 1990s, post-modernism in geography emphasized the subjective nature of knowledge and rejected grand narratives. It called for a more diverse and pluralistic approach to understanding space, place, and society. Post-modernism also questioned traditional notions of objectivity and scientific authority, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices and alternative perspectives in geographical discourse. It was characterized by skepticism toward universal explanations and embraced the idea that knowledge is socially constructed.
• Emergence of Humanistic, Radical, and Behavioural Schools (1970s): In the 1970s, humanistic, radical, and behavioral schools of thought emerged in response to the perceived limitations of traditional geography. The humanistic approach focused on the subjective experiences and emotions of individuals and communities, emphasizing how people interact with and perceive their environment. The radical school of thought incorporated Marxist theory and critiqued social inequalities and capitalist structures, emphasizing the role of geography in understanding power relations. The behavioral approach, influenced by psychology, explored human decision-making and the mental processes underlying spatial behavior.

Each of these schools of thought contributed to the development of modern geography, broadening the scope of geographical analysis and providing new insights into the relationship between humans and their environment.