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C08.27 Marginalization, Globalization, and Regional and Local Responses
Session: Marginality in a Globalizing World
Chair(s): Nel Etienne & Walter Leimgruber
Abstract:
The analysis of what constitutes marginality, as presented by members of the IGU Commission on "Marginalization, Globalization and Regional and Local Response", has demonstrated that despite the efforts of public and private role players and the objectives set out in the Millennium Development Goals that spatial, social, cultural, economic and environmental marginality persists. On the contrary the gulf between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' may actually be increasing. Related to this, the process of globalization is having profound effects, both positive and negative on nations, regions, localities, people and communities. In many instances, particularly in the Global South or peripheral areas of the North, marginalization may even have been enhanced as a result of the increasing dominance of globalization, while issues of environmental and resource degradation cannot be overlooked. This session seeks to examine the nature of marginality, the impact which globalization is having and what the way forward may hold.
Timeslots: 2
Abstract:
The analysis of what constitutes marginality, as presented by members of the IGU Commission on "Marginalization, Globalization and Regional and Local Response", has demonstrated that despite the efforts of public and private role players and the objectives set out in the Millennium Development Goals that spatial, social, cultural, economic and environmental marginality persists. On the contrary the gulf between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' may actually be increasing. Related to this, the process of globalization is having profound effects, both positive and negative on nations, regions, localities, people and communities. In many instances, particularly in the Global South or peripheral areas of the North, marginalization may even have been enhanced as a result of the increasing dominance of globalization, while issues of environmental and resource degradation cannot be overlooked. This session seeks to examine the nature of marginality, the impact which globalization is having and what the way forward may hold.
Timeslots: 2
Session: Interpretations of Marginality
Chair(s): Nel Etienne & Walter Leimgruber
Abstract:
Marginalization is a reality of the world in which we live. At one level there is a need to acknowledge the nature of marginalization and its existence in various forms - social, economic, political, cultural, spatial and environmental. At a second level, marginalization and its impacts and implications need to be assessed and more clearly understood, whilst at a third level the negative and positive implications of marginalization need to be analysed and interpreted. In terms of the latter consideration, whilst marginalization is often associated with negative outcomes, such as loss of local cultures, poverty and environmental deterioration, we also need to acknowledge that there can also be positive responses to marginalization. In many instances local communities have initiated creative and innovative responses to their marginalization and some areas have in fact been 'de-marginalized'. Political separatism, the celebration of local cultures and foods and local economic development responses bear testimony to this reality. These trends hint at the need to develop a more sophisticated understanding of what marginalization is and how it is playing itself out at various scales. This session seeks to focus on the varied nature of marginalization, current responses to it and how we can better understand, from a conceptual point of view, what is taking place.
Timeslots: 1
Abstract:
Marginalization is a reality of the world in which we live. At one level there is a need to acknowledge the nature of marginalization and its existence in various forms - social, economic, political, cultural, spatial and environmental. At a second level, marginalization and its impacts and implications need to be assessed and more clearly understood, whilst at a third level the negative and positive implications of marginalization need to be analysed and interpreted. In terms of the latter consideration, whilst marginalization is often associated with negative outcomes, such as loss of local cultures, poverty and environmental deterioration, we also need to acknowledge that there can also be positive responses to marginalization. In many instances local communities have initiated creative and innovative responses to their marginalization and some areas have in fact been 'de-marginalized'. Political separatism, the celebration of local cultures and foods and local economic development responses bear testimony to this reality. These trends hint at the need to develop a more sophisticated understanding of what marginalization is and how it is playing itself out at various scales. This session seeks to focus on the varied nature of marginalization, current responses to it and how we can better understand, from a conceptual point of view, what is taking place.
Timeslots: 1
Session: Regional and Local Responses to Marginality
Chair(s): Nel Etienne & Walter & Leimgruber
Abstract:
Marginality is seldom a static situation and instead, communities, and the private and public sectors have variously responded to its existence over time. In recent decades decentralization and devolution impulses, combined with the opportunities and constraints imposed by national and global challenges have frequently encouraged pro-active community, local and national action. This has taken a wide variety of forms, including interventions such as community-development, place marketing, business support, encouraging environmental action etc. Outcomes of these actions have be mixed and assessing their validity is a priority. This session focuses on the nature of local and regional responses to marginalization, with the objective of seeking to identify comparative and comparable approaches which have both theoretical and applied significance.
Timeslots: 1
Abstract:
Marginality is seldom a static situation and instead, communities, and the private and public sectors have variously responded to its existence over time. In recent decades decentralization and devolution impulses, combined with the opportunities and constraints imposed by national and global challenges have frequently encouraged pro-active community, local and national action. This has taken a wide variety of forms, including interventions such as community-development, place marketing, business support, encouraging environmental action etc. Outcomes of these actions have be mixed and assessing their validity is a priority. This session focuses on the nature of local and regional responses to marginalization, with the objective of seeking to identify comparative and comparable approaches which have both theoretical and applied significance.
Timeslots: 1