‘Left behind places’: a geographical etymology

‘Left behind places’ has become the leitmotif of geographical inequalities since the 2008 crisis. Yet, the term’s origins, definition and implications are poorly specified and risk obscuring the differentiated problems and pathways of different kinds of areas. This paper explicates the geographical etymology and spatial imaginary of ‘left behind places’. It argues that the appellation and its spatial expression have modified how geographical inequalities are understood and addressed by recovering a more relational understanding of multiple ‘left behind’ conditions, widening the analytical frame beyond only economic concerns, and opening up interpretations of the ‘development’ of ‘left behind places’ and their…

• RS
  Regional Studies Association
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Award: ES/V013696/1
• AN
  Agence Nationale de la Recherche

  Award: ES/V013696/1
• EA
  Economic and Social Research Council

  Awards: ES/V013696/1, ES/V013696/1