Difference, Geographies of

Difference is a measure by which individuals, societies, and even nations seek to distinguish themselves. It is a measure of separation (as being unlike someone) and distinctiveness. In its assertion it creates an “other”—those we are not. Forms of difference have been grouped into broad social categories such as class, gender, race or ethnicity, and sexuality. However, difference can be asserted using any criterion, such as language, nationality, birthplace, religion, ancestry, and profession. It can also be tied to particular places and operates across many scales. This entry examines the concept of difference and the many types of difference that geographers have studied. It then discusses the various theoretical approaches that have been used in this field and considers its significance for future research.

For geographers, difference is an important analytical concept. Its examination is used to assert that individuals’ distinctiveness matters: to their experience, and the constitution, of particular places; to their life opportunities; and to the functioning of communities and societies. Individuals, and particular groups, will experience particular social processes differently (such as the closure of a factory that might affect men and women in different ways), and these differences will occur unevenly over space. The geographies of difference can be understood by exploring what differences have been studied and how these [Page 738]have been measured and analyzed. There are also a number of approaches to exploring difference and an ongoing debate within geography as to whether we need to move beyond difference as a field of enquiry.

Geographers use the study of difference to expose the generalizing assumptions of earlier geographical work—some of which failed to acknowledge the diverse experiences of certain groups, such as women or the disabled. Thus difference as a concept is used to highlight, and fill, the silences and gaps in geographical scholarship. It is also used to understand how particular groups suffer because of their difference—through oppression or exclusion—in other words, “geographies of exclusion.” This understanding of what divides us also enables us to explore how we might build connections across differences and how we might overcome tensions between us (such as racial or religious divides) and thus live together more harmoniously. In this sense geographies of difference can take on a particular political project by being part of the debate as to how to build better societies. However, there remains a problem between valorizing difference and the need to understand the commonalities of human existence. For example, if we give too much credence to difference we can undermine the need for universal principles of justice and the power of working together (e.g., through collective action).

Geographers have explored a multitude of differences. The most frequently studied categories of difference have been class, gender, race, and sexuality. However, recent work has explored previously absent categories, for example, “old age,” and there is a nascent field of children's geographies focusing on childhood and youth. Geographies of disability have also been investigated, including for example, reconceptualizing what it is to be deaf. In addition, what is studied within these categories and conceived of as different changes over time. These changes are in response to new contexts that give rise to new tensions. For example, since the terrorist attacks in the United States in September 2001 and in London in July 2005, the concept of race has been complicated by the emerging importance of religion as a defining marker of difference. Moreover, geographers have sought to interpret difference more broadly to incorporate majority groups, investigating masculinity and “whiteness. “ Thus, how we conceive of difference continues to evolve.

...