Gaps and bridges: Network analytical and citation analytical observations on the unity of geography [Brüche und Brücken: Netzwerk- und zitationsanalytische Beobachtungen zur Einheit der Geographie]

Abstract

The question of the unity of geography is nearly as old as the discipline itself. Especially in German-speaking geography the relationship between physical and human geography has always been a matter of concern. While the idea of bringing together the natural and the social sciences is proclaimed as the discipline's "unique selling point", there is a growing awareness of centrifugal tendencies within geography threatening its integrity and cohesion as an academic discipline. So far, the debates on the unity question lacks empirical support. Thus, the focus of this article lays on an empirical investigation of the actual research practice in geography. Based on bibliometric data research and network analysis this paper explores the citation patterns in Geman-speaking geography with regard to the question of unity or disunity. From an analysis of who cites whom, insights into references between geographical subdisciplines are gained. As a result gaps and bridges in the citation network of the German-speaking geography are illustrated and discussed.