Brazilian Economic Geography in perspective: paradigms, internationalization, and the challenges of an engaged pluralism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2179-0892.geousp.2026.239889Keywords:
Theorical-methodological pluralism, Theorical Diversity, Epistemologies of the South, Geographical thought, Scientific productionAbstract
The debate about the strengths and limits of the so-called engaged pluralism has gained centrality in contemporary economic geography. This article analyzes the current state of this field in Brazil from this perspective, investigating predominant theoretical paradigms, recurring themes, publication venues, and the degree of international integration of academic production. Based on a questionnaire applied to researchers in the field, the study reveals the hegemony of the critical Marxist strand and the low articulation with institutional, relational, and evolutionary approaches. The research points to a fragmented and still little internationalized field, highlighting the need for the adoption of pluralism that values local intellectual traditions and promotes greater theoretical, institutional, and geographic diversity. It also observes a limited presence of recent international references and an underrepresentation of female authors among the cited theorists. Thus, the article contributes to a critical and current reflection on the directions of national and international economic geography.
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