The Difference that Space Makes

Abstract

In what sense does space make a difference? How important is it and how should space and its supposed effects be understood? Can there be a general theory of space and society? What are the implications of space for social theory and practice? I shall try to answer these questions by using concepts from realist philosophy. I shall argue that despite the considerable growth of interest in space, the difference it makes and its possible implications for social theory are still widely misunderstood, largely because of a failure to distinguish abstract from concrete research. Yet even when clarified, space still presents both social research and actual practice with considerable difficulties, and these are discussed in the final section.