Brazilian Economic Geography in perspective: paradigms, internationalization, and the challenges of an engaged pluralism

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2179-0892.geousp.2026.239889

Keywords:

Theorical-methodological pluralism, Theorical Diversity, Epistemologies of the South, Geographical thought, Scientific production

Abstract

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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Author Biographies

  • Daniel de Mello Sanfelici, Fluminense Federal University
    Professor Adjunto - Universidade Federal Fluminense
  • Gabriel Amilton Bezerra Barros, Fluminense Federal University

    Doutorando em Geografia - Universidade Federal Fluminense

  • Maira Magnani Asencio, University of São Paulo

    Pesquisadora de pós-doutorado - Universidade de São Paulo

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Published

2026-09-17

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

SANFELICI, Daniel de Mello; BARROS, Gabriel Amilton Bezerra; MAGNANI ASENCIO, Maira. Brazilian Economic Geography in perspective: paradigms, internationalization, and the challenges of an engaged pluralism. GEOUSP Espaço e Tempo (Online), São Paulo, Brasil, v. 30, n. 1, 2026. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2179-0892.geousp.2026.239889. Disponível em: https://revistas.usp.br/geousp/article/view/239889. Acesso em: 17 sep. 2026.