A grammar for non-teleological geographies: Differentiating the divergence of intention and outcomes in the everyday

Holdsworth, Clare

doi:10.1177/03091325221093639

A grammar for non-teleological geographies: Differentiating the divergence of intention and outcomes in the everyday

Holdsworth, Clare

Authors

Clare Holdsworth c.m.holdsworth@keele.ac.uk

Abstract

Teleology shapes the design of much geographical research through the requirement to identify outcomes. In contrast, the theoretical orientation of geographical research on the everyday promotes a relational and visceral approach to resist the teleological logic of the primacy of outcomes. With this paper, we address this tension between different orientations to the practice of geographical research. Drawing on three case studies of empirical research we propose a grammar for non-teleology to capture the divergence of intentions and outcomes. Giving rise to non-teleological narratives, we suggest, signifies a forward orientation for doing geographical research to unpick the messiness of everyday life.

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Mar 13, 2022
Online Publication Date	May 8, 2022
Publication Date	2022-08
Journal	Progress in Human Geography
Print ISSN	0309-1325
Electronic ISSN	1477-0288
Publisher	SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	46
Issue	4
Pages	1047-1064
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1177/03091325221093639
Keywords	Geography, Planning and Development
Publisher URL	https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03091325221093639