Reflections on a White Discipline

Laura Pulido

The Professional Geographer · 2002 · 286 citations · 50 references

DOIFull text

Open access

Concepts

TL;DR

Geography is overwhelmingly white, affecting individual experiences and intellectual production. The article examines race in geography through a partially autobiographical lens and proposes ways to diversify the discipline. The author uses personal experience and analysis of environmental justice research to investigate racial issues in geography. Keywords: ethnic studies, geography, race.

Abstract

Abstract Utilizing a partially autobiographical format, this article considers the practice and study of race within geography. I argue that the overwhelmingly white composition of the discipline has very real implications for both individual experiences and our intellectual production and disciplinary culture. I explore these issues by drawing on my own experiences as a Chicana within geography, and by examining the extent to which one area of research, environmental justice, has engaged questions of race and the consequences of that engagement. I conclude with some general remarks on what it might take to significantly diversify geography. Keywords:: ethnic studiesgeographyrace

References

50