In response to Professor Danny Dorling’s comments about the academic discipline of geography that has received substantial press coverage this week, the Society has released the following statement:
“It is right that geography reflects the diversity of the world within its students. There is more work to be done across the geographical community to properly achieve this. We are optimistic that alongside the issues outlined by Professor Dorling, we are seeing sustained and positive change within the next generation of young geographers.
“Just over 40 per cent of 16 year olds study geography, compared to about 27 per cent in 2010. The increase in entries has come predominantly from black and ethnic minority pupils, those who are disadvantaged, those with lower prior attainment; and pupils studying in comprehensive and secondary modern schools.
“Geography gives young people the knowledge, skills and understanding to engage knowledgably and positively with local, national and global concerns – be they social, geopolitical or environmental.”
At all levels, geography is the bridge between the natural and social sciences, providing its own specialist knowledge and skills and the valuable interdisciplinary approaches needed to address pressing global issues from climate change and migration, to environmental change and social cohesion.
Learn more about why you should choose geography.