fourteen - Sociographer by design? Boundary crossings and interdisciplinarity

Summary

The possibilities presented by sociology have for me rested upon an idea of what geography is not or is lacking. This may seem controversial ground as talking honestly about the limits of geography in relation to sociology immediately sets up a binary opposition between the disciplines. In some ways, this kind of thinking is a red herring because, being a geographer, I fully subscribe to the idea that ‘where things happen is critical to knowing how and why they happen’ (Warf and Arias, 2009, 18) – a narrative that puts space first. But thinking about why geography has sometimes not been enough it is possible to reflect on how sociology has come to matter to me, both personally and professionally. This chapter seeks to develop these thoughts, reflecting on the various insights I have gleaned from sociology as a geographer working across disciplines. Being asked to contribute to this exciting collection of essays on sociologist’s tales, prompted me to think again about my motivations for starting an academic career as a social researcher. My reasons, especially in retrospect, point to an interest in societal issues and a belief that knowledge formed about this should be of benefit beyond the academy. Focusing on my career to date, I aim to show how crossing boundaries between disciplines reinvents, as well as sustains, disciplinary identity, and for me, has proved a wonderful gateway through which to open up connections to new spaces and working environments.

Sociology: an outsider’s perspective

As someone looking in from outside, sociology has always had a broad practical and hands-on appeal, a reputation for dealing with real-world ‘bread and butter’ issues that have everyday resonance and applicability. This is something I had considered before undertaking my first degree in human geography. Back then (some 20 years ago now) geography, on the street and in the pub, had a negative popular image, and as I have come to find out perception is sometimes as important as, or more important than the reality of the matter. The reality of this hit me again very recently when at a friend’s party. I got into conversation about what I do for a living and ended up trying (and I fear failing) to move the conversation away from the tired image of an old fashioned and uninspiring school geography conjured up.