Rural geography: Multifunctional rural geographies - Reactionary or radical?

James McCarthy, Pennsylvania State University

Abstract

The article focuses on the important theme in rural geography which is the multifunctionality in rural landscapes. Multifunctionality is the idea that rural landscapes typically produce a range of commodity and non-commodity use values simultaneously and that policy ought to recognize and protect that entire range of values. The article also suggests potential connections to current work on the neoliberalization of environmental governance and environmental indicators. It also mentions specific policy areas to broader trends and processes in the relationship between the economy, the state, policy and society.