1. Guangzhou Developmental Academy, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510405, China;
2. Center for Urban and Regional Studies, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
Abstract：Space, as the most vital key concept in human geography studies, is confronted with redefinition in face of globalization, information era, humanism, post-modernism,and the development of human geography studies. This paper tries to explain the following questions: what are the new features of spatial studies? In what backgrounds these new features emerge? To what extent these features influence spatial studies? What human geographic researchers should do to response the new features? This paper, firstly, analyzes the background of rethinking the concept of space. Secondly, the authors penalizes the pivotal variations of space from the following four perspective which are (1) scientific space to human space; (2) physical space to non-physical space; (3) simple space to complicated space; ⑷ crustaceous space to spaces beyond space. Finally, the author suggests that, (1) to pay more attention to reconstruction of concept of space. Many geographical concepts were rooted in western historic socio-economic backgrounds. So, it is necessary to localize them in the context of China; (2) to deepen the research on microcosmic research. Traditional human geography studies pay more attention to macro-middle scale spatial studies and less to micro scale such as space formation mechanism, space production laws and space meanings. The nature of space can be truly and deeply comprehended with existentialism theory; (3) to intensify multidisciplinary studies. Multidisciplinary integrative research has been a trend which can make the analysis more comprehensively, so when conducting research on spatial studies, we should integrate the relevant disciplines like geography, sociology, economics, anthropology and politics. Finally, the authors note that redefinition of space recognition is based on traditional spatial definition and is more systematic and in-depth development, which is far from complete abandonment, removal and subversion of traditional space knowledge. The only way to promote our studies is to absorb the latest achievements, to stress on practice and test of western researches on China and to localize urban geographical theories via local practice of China's socio-economic development.
姚华松, 许学强, 薛德升. 人文地理学研究中对空间的再认识[J]. 人文地理, 2010, 25(2): 8-12.
YAO Hua-song, XU Xue-qiang, XUE De-sheng. RETHINK SPACE IN THE STUDIES OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, 2010, 25(2): 8-12.
