Abstract
Geography has an identity problem (Short, 1998, p. 74). Professional geographers may be labelled as economists, urban planners, geologists, or environmental scientists in the popular media. Members of the public appear to hold outdated, if not antiquated, views of the business of geographers. Erroneous views about the discipline coupled with scant media attention" imply a serious problem in terms of their consequences for decisions in matters such as student enrollments, public and private research funding, and university "rationalisation".
In short, public misconceptions about the work of geographers and a low public profile may have profound implications for the well-being and institutional longevity of the discipline.
Perhaps there exists a need for a repair strategy. One means of achieving change in public perceptions of the discipline is through effective disciplinary engagement with the media.
In short, public misconceptions about the work of geographers and a low public profile may have profound implications for the well-being and institutional longevity of the discipline.
Perhaps there exists a need for a repair strategy. One means of achieving change in public perceptions of the discipline is through effective disciplinary engagement with the media.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 34-38 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Geographical Education |
Volume | 14 |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Bibliographical note
The discussion paper is followed by a response by Dr Richie Howitt, Macquarie University, Sydney.Keywords
- Geography
- Media
- Media literacy