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System Approach and Its Relevance in Geography

The system approach in geography emerged in the post-1950s, emphasizing the interconnectedness of geographical phenomena through General Systems Theory. This approach facilitates the analysis of complex interactions between physical and human elements, aiding in interdisciplinary research and policy planning. Despite criticisms regarding oversimplification and neglect of human agency, it remains essential for understanding contemporary geographical issues like climate change and urbanization.

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481 views4 pages

System Approach and Its Relevance in Geography

The system approach in geography emerged in the post-1950s, emphasizing the interconnectedness of geographical phenomena through General Systems Theory. This approach facilitates the analysis of complex interactions between physical and human elements, aiding in interdisciplinary research and policy planning. Despite criticisms regarding oversimplification and neglect of human agency, it remains essential for understanding contemporary geographical issues like climate change and urbanization.

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System Approach and its Relevance in Geography – Evolution of Geographical Thought

Introduction

The system approach in geography represents a significant paradigm shift in the


20th century, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of
various components within geographical phenomena. Emerging in the post-
1950s period, particularly during the Quantitative Revolution, this approach
sought to apply the principles of general systems theory to the spatial sciences.
It transitioned geography from a purely descriptive discipline to one capable of
systematically analyzing and modeling complex relationships.

The word system has been derived from the Greek word “system,” which means
a set of rules that govern structure and behaviors. In other words, the system is
described as a unified whole (working body) consisting of interdependently
functioning elements. An element is a very basic part of a unified whole. For
example, the human body is a biological system involving various elements
(parts) like cells, tissues, blood, bones, and muscles. These elements (parts)
function interdependently. Likewise, the Earth itself is the largest system, made
up of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. The biosphere is
the largest ecosystem, composed of interconnected sub-systems (both terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems), such as forests, grasslands, deserts, oceans, lakes, and
ponds. These systems vary greatly in size and scale, ranging from microscopic
to micro, meso, and macro. For instance, the biosphere forms a macro-sized
ecosystem while a rivulet can form a micro one.

Definition of System Approach

The systemic approach is based on General Systems Theory (developed by


Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1940s), which views phenomena as systems
composed of interrelated and interdependent parts. In geography, this approach
involves analyzing the interactions between various physical and human
elements as components of larger systems (e.g., ecosystems, urban systems,
climatic systems).

Key Features of System Approach in Geography

1. Holism: Emphasizes the whole rather than isolated parts.


2. Interaction and Feedback: Studies the interactions and feedback
mechanisms between system components.
3. Input-Output Models: Focuses on how energy, matter, or information
enter, are processed, and leave a system.
4. Dynamic Equilibrium: Examines how systems adjust to disturbances to
maintain stability.
5. Open and Closed Systems: Differentiates between systems exchanging
energy/matter with surroundings (open) and those that do not (closed).

Types of Systems in Geography

 Physical Systems: E.g., hydrological, climatic, geomorphic systems.


 Human Systems: E.g., urban, economic, social systems.
 Integrated Systems: E.g., human-environment interactions such as land
use or resource management.

Relevance of System Approach in Geography

1. Understanding Complexity
Helps geographers comprehend complex environmental and human
phenomena through models and simulations (e.g., climate change, urban
sprawl).
2. Interdisciplinary Analysis
Encourages interdisciplinary research by integrating insights from
ecology, economics, sociology, etc.
3. Policy and Planning
Provides a framework for regional planning, environmental management,
and disaster risk reduction by highlighting system vulnerabilities and
resilience.
4. Bridges Physical and Human Geography
Helps analyze the interrelationship between natural and human systems
(e.g., deforestation and socio-economic impacts).

 Applications in geography:
The systems approach is used in various branches of geography, including
physical geography (e.g., geomorphology, hydrology), human geography
(e.g., urbanization, migration), and environmental geography (e.g., climate
change, pollution).
Examples of systems in geography:
 Geomorphic systems:
Erosion, transportation, and deposition processes interact to form
landforms.
 Hydrologic systems:
The water cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, and runoff, is a
complex system with various interconnected elements.
 Urban systems:
Cities are complex systems with various interacting components,
including transportation, housing, and infrastructure.
 Food systems:
Food production, distribution, and consumption are interconnected
processes that form a global system.

Evolution in Geographical Thought

The system approach gained prominence during the Quantitative Revolution


(1950s–70s), marking a shift from descriptive regional geography to scientific,
model-based analysis.

 Fred K. Schaefer (1953): Argued for a scientific, law-seeking approach


in geography.
 Richard Chorley and Peter Haggett (1967): Advocated systems
analysis in physical geography and human geography.
 Edward Ackerman: Emphasized systems thinking in resource
geography and human-environment relations.

The humanistic and critical geographies that emerged later critiqued the over-
reliance on systems and models, yet the system approach remains foundational
in areas such as environmental geography, GIS, and sustainability studies.

Criticisms of System Approach

 Overgeneralization: May oversimplify complex human behaviors.


 Neglect of Human Agency: Sometimes fails to incorporate qualitative
and cultural dimensions.
 Technocratic Bias: Tends to prioritize scientific methods over local or
indigenous knowledge systems.

Conclusion
The system approach has significantly enriched geographical analysis by
providing a structured, scientific framework for understanding spatial
phenomena and their interconnections. While not without limitations, it remains
crucial in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, urbanization,
and sustainability.

References

 Chorley, R. J., & Haggett, P. (1967). Models in Geography. Methuen.


 Bertalanffy, L. von (1968). General System Theory: Foundations,
Development, Applications. George Braziller.
 Schaefer, F. K. (1953). Exceptionalism in Geography: A Methodological
Examination. Annals of the Association of American Geographers.
 Gregory, D., Johnston, R., Pratt, G., Watts, M., & Whatmore, S. (2009).
The Dictionary of Human Geography (5th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
 Cloke, P., Crang, P., & Goodwin, M. (2005). Introducing Human
Geographies. Routledge.
 https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/geop06/chapter/systems-approach-and-
system-analysis/ (Systems Approach and System Analysis by Dr. Janki
Jiwan) PDF.

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