Paradigm Shifts in the Framework of Human-Space Interaction

Abstract

Today, humanity is experiencing major technological transitions that are transforming its interaction with the social, artificial, and natural environment. In the transformation literature, a strong epistemological trend has emerged regarding the chain effects triggered by these transitions. The argument is that the economic, social, cultural, and geographical dimensions of transformations must be addressed on multiple planes. The origins of this stance in the social sciences date back to the first half of the twentieth century. Since the 1950s, strengthening epistemological inquiries have brought multi-layered and multidisciplinary conceptualizations and methods to the forefront in economic and social geography, political science, organization studies, and planning disciplines. This article aims to reveal the evolution of the thinking underlying the paradigm shift concerning economic and social space by tracing its pioneers in the social sciences. After discussing the concepts, approaches, and debates within this framework, the conclusion focuses on the contradictions between everyday practices arising from real-life conditions and institutional regulatory practices, along with several proposals, critiques, and concerns related to these issues.