Economic geography should be:
1. Analytical:
- Examining the spatial distribution and patterns of economic activities, industries, and resources.
- Exploring the factors that influence these patterns and their impact on human well-being and economic development.
2. Comparative:
- Comparing economic conditions, structures, and systems across different regions, countries, and continents.
- Identifying similarities, differences, and drivers of economic growth and decline.
3. Spatial:
- Focusing on the spatial aspects of economic phenomena, such as location, distance, accessibility, and transportation networks.
- Analyzing how spatial factors affect economic activities and outcomes.
4. Dynamic:
- Recognizing that economic geography is subject to change over time.
- Exploring the processes and drivers of economic growth, decline, and transformation.
5. Interdisciplinary:
- Integrating knowledge from economics, geography, sociology, political science, and other disciplines.
- Providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between economic processes and their spatial context.
6. Critical:
- Critically examining the assumptions, biases, and limitations of different theoretical perspectives and methodologies.
- Challenging conventional wisdom and exploring alternative explanations for economic phenomena.
7. Relevant:
- Addressing real-world issues and challenges, such as economic inequality, climate change, and resource scarcity.
- Providing insights and evidence to inform policy and decision-making.
8. Educational:
- Enriching students' understanding of the relationship between human activities and the environment.
- Developing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
9. Ethical:
- Recognizing the social and environmental implications of economic activities.
- Advocating for sustainable and equitable economic practices.
10. Geographically Informed:
- Utilizing geographic concepts, principles, and tools, such as maps, GIS, and remote sensing.
- Providing a spatially explicit understanding of economic data and phenomena.