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Patrick Geddes (1854-1934) was a British geographer and contemporary of Mackinder. Geddes published an article on “The Nature of Geography” in 1898, reflecting a geographical perspective inspired by biological recognition. With a background in botany, Geddes was deeply influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Patrick Geddes’ Contributions to Geography
Patrick Geddes had a keen interest in geographical studies, as they explained the causal relationships between the regional distribution of topography, climate, natural vegetation, natural resources, and human communities in an area, as well as the processes of human activities and cultural development.
Geddes was always eager to uncover how the natural environment influences human life in different regions and how different human communities have adapted to their local environment. He emphasized detailed studies of the activities of human communities in various regions.
The ‘Place-Work-Folk’ Method
Influenced by the ideas of French sociologist Le Play (1806-1882), Geddes introduced the ‘Place-Work-Folk’ method for studying human communities. This method was based on the fundamental belief that the location (local environment) determines the livelihoods or economic activities of the people there. The mode of livelihood, in turn, shapes a community’s family lifestyle and its social structure.
According to Geddes, in communities with backward technological development, the order of this study method is ‘Place-Work-Folk.‘ However, in communities with advanced technological development, this order changes to ‘Folk-Work-Place.’ This is because in technologically advanced communities, nature plays a relatively minor role in the relationship between nature and humans. Such communities are capable of controlling the adverse effects of the local environment to a large extent through science and technology.
Founder of Regional Survey, Regionalization, and Practical Geography
Patrick Geddes is considered the founder of regional survey, regionalization, and practical geography in Britain. Geddes believed that regional surveys were essential for geographical studies, advocating the slogan “survey before plan.” He meant that geographical studies could not be conducted without surveys. These ideas of Patrick Geddes guided geographical studies in Britain for a long time.
Geddes established an institution called the ‘Le Play School,’ which conducted 71 major regional surveys and published eight major monographs during its tenure. The institution closed in 1960. Geddes’ ideas on urban planning remained relevant even after his death in 1934. He believed that geography is not merely descriptive but a practical science.
Introduction of the Term ‘Conurbation’
Patrick Geddes was the first to use the term ‘conurbation.’ He observed the cities of southern Lancashire expanding beyond their administrative boundaries and developing as a combined urban continuum. This unique aspect of urbanization attracted him to study it. After considerable deliberation, he coined the term ‘conurbation’ to describe this emerging urban landscape.
Three Main Eras of Urban Development
Patrick Geddes divided urban development into three main eras:
(i) Eotechnic: Spanning approximately 1000 to 1800 AD, this was the early stage of urban development.
(ii) Paleotechnic: Lasting from 1800 to 1900 AD, this was the era of ancient technological development.
(iii) Neotechnic: This era represents urban development from 1900 AD to the present day.
FAQs
Patrick Geddes was a British geographer who proposed the “Place-Work-Folk” method for studying human communities. He believed that the local environment shapes economic activities, which in turn influence family life and social structure.
The “Place-Work-Folk” method is a framework for studying human communities developed by Patrick Geddes. It proposes that the local environment (place) influences economic activities (work), which in turn shape social and cultural characteristics (folk).
Patrick Geddes is considered the founder of regional planning in Britain. He emphasized the importance of regional surveys and advocated for a comprehensive approach to urban development that considers social, economic, and environmental factors.
Patrick Geddes divided urban development into three stages: Eotechnic (pre-industrial), Palaeotechnic (industrial), and Neotechnic (post-industrial).
Patrick Geddes coined the term “Conurbation” to describe the continuous urban area formed by the merging of several adjacent cities or towns, typically characterized by high population density and interconnected infrastructure.
