Journalartikel

Jahr der Veröffentlichung: 1994

Seiten: 63-90

Zeitschrift: Geographical Journal

Bandnummer: 82

Heftnummer: 2

ISSN: 0016-7479

Verlag: Franz Steiner Verlag

Abstract: 
Long-term socio-economic development, from the perspective of regulation approaches, progresses as a sequence of stable development stages, which are characterized by compatibility within and between a dominant growth structure and coordination mechanism; a specific regime of accumulation and mode of regulation. Recent changes in the production structure, consumption pattern and coordination mechanism of industrialized economies have caused many scholars to assume that a transition from a Fordist to a Postfordist stage of development has occurred. The latter is usually characterized by such features as the use of flexible machinery, small-batch customer-oriented production, the application of new automation technologies and a new division of labour within and between firms. Flexible production systems are established to meet the highly differentiated needs of the customers. However, the mechanism through which the new production structure and consumption pattern can be met and coordinated is not yet clear and has created debate. Changes in spatial patterns encompass a wide variety of developments, including globalization (especially spatial dispersal and the internationalization of production) and reconcentration tendencies within so-called new industrial spaces, industrial districts and creative milieus. Within this context, this article aims to analyse the relations between socio-technological change, the division of labour and locational structures. Spatial implications of the regulation theory are emphasized and ways to include regulation approaches into geographical analysis discussed. It is argued that the organization and division of labour, defined by the specific production structure, consumption pattern and coordination mechanism that dominate within a development stage, has a major impact on the spatial division of labour and structure of the economy.

Harvard-Zitierstil: BATHELT, H. (1994) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REGULATION APPROACHES FOR ECONOMIC-GEOGRAPHY, Geographical Journal, 82(2), pp. 63-90

APA-Zitierstil: BATHELT, H. (1994). THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REGULATION APPROACHES FOR ECONOMIC-GEOGRAPHY. Geographical Journal. 82(2), 63-90.