A grammar for non-teleological geographies: Differentiating the divergence of intention and outcomes in the everyday

Holdsworth, Clare

Abstract

Teleology shapes the design of much geographical research through the requirement to identify outcomes. In contrast, the theoretical orientation of geographical research on the everyday promotes a relational and visceral approach to resist the teleological logic of the primacy of outcomes. With this paper, we address this tension between different orientations to the practice of geographical research. Drawing on three case studies of empirical research we propose a grammar for non-teleology to capture the divergence of intentions and outcomes. Giving rise to non-teleological narratives, we suggest, signifies a forward orientation for doing geographical research to unpick the messiness of everyday life.

Citation

Holdsworth, C., & M Hall, S. (2022). A grammar for non-teleological geographies: Differentiating the divergence of intention and outcomes in the everyday. Progress in Human Geography, 46(4), 1047-1064. https://doi.org/10.1177/03091325221093639

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 13, 2022
• Online Publication Date: May 8, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Journal: Progress in Human Geography
• Print ISSN: 0309-1325
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-0288
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1047-1064
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03091325221093639
• Keywords: Geography, Planning and Development
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03091325221093639