Human Geography Definition

Human geography is the study of the interrelationships of humans and their physical environment. It studies of the interrelationships between people, place and environment and how these vary spatially and temporally across and between locations. How the relationship between humans and their environment shapes the distribution and organization of societies and cultures is also the subject matter of human geography.

Over the years, many geographers have tried to define human geography from their own perspective.

1 - Friedrich Ratzel

An early definition of human geography was proposed by the German geographer Friedrich Ratzel in the late 19th century.

Ratzel saw human geography as the study of the relationship between humans and the physical environment. He emphasized the study of the role of environmental factors in shaping human activities and cultures.

2 - Vidal de la Blache

The famous French geographer Vidal de la Blache presented a different view of the study of human geography. Blass is known for his concept of probabilism.

According to Blache, human geography is the study of the relationship between human beings and their environment. How humans adjust with their environment and how they make the environment favourable for themselves is studied under human geography.

Vidal de la Blache believed that humans have the ability to adapt their environment to their needs. Blache also believed that the environment does not determine human behaviour.

3 - Carl O. Sauer

Carl O. Sauer was an American geographer who presented the most comprehensive interpretation of human geography.

Presenting the explanation of human geography, famous geographer Carl Sauer presented the concept of cultural landscape. According to Sauer, human geography is the study of the cultural landscape, which is visible as the impression of man on the environment.

He believed that cultural landscape is a product of human activities. It reflects the social, economic and cultural aspects of the people who live in this land area.

This definition of human geography as presented by Sauer emphasizes the study of the relationship between humans and their environment and the impact of human activity on the landscape.

4 - Richard Hartshorne

American geographer Richard Hartshorne is known for his work in the field of spatial analysis. According to Hartshorne, human geography is the study of the spatial organization of human activities. He believed that human activities are organized in space and this spatial organization reflects the social, economic and cultural conditions of the people living in it. Hartshorne's definition emphasizes the importance of space in understanding human behaviour.

5 - David Harvey

British geographer David Harvey is known for his work in the field of social justice. According to Harvey, human geography is the study of the social, economic and political relations that shape human life.

Harvey believed that human geography should be used to promote social justice and address issues of inequality and opportunities. Harvey's definition of human geography emphasizes the role of geography in promoting social justice and challenging inequality.

6 - Edward Soza

American geographer Edward Soza is known for his work on critical geography. According to Soja, human geography is the study of the relationship between power, space and society.

Edward Souza believed that human geography should be used to challenge power and its structures and to promote social justice. Soja emphasizes the role of geography in challenging power and promoting social change.

Conclusion :

To conclude, different geographers have defined human geography in different ways, but all have tried to explain the patterns and processes shaping human activities on the earth.

In conclusion, it can be said that human geography is a wide field of study, its approach and methods of study are also wide. Each geographer has brought a unique perspective to the study of human geography. Certainly, the study of human geography is helpful in understanding the relationship between human beings and their environment.