¿Qué hace un geógrafo hoy? Análisis crítico y reflexiones para un debate impostergable (caso argentino)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to reflect on the role that geographers play today, in a context characterized by large, varied and permanent changes in the geographical space, which invite to rethink and redirect, both the discipline and the task of their cultivators. The methodology used was to organize the work in four guiding axes: the necessary self-criticism of geographers about their performance in society, the full understanding of the context in which they move, awareness of the potential of the discipline and the geographers and, finally, the challenge of involvement in their communities and territories. The results highlight some conceptions, practices and omissions that traditionally characterized both the discipline and its cultivators, which induced society to incorporate misconceptions about what geography is and what geographers do. Consequently, the need to overcome certain aspects coined in the exercise of teaching, research and application is raised. Among the conclusions, the following stand out: the urgency of reviewing the curricula of geography careers, prioritizing the development of research linked to current (not always visible) issues, rank geography as a profession, and also covering the great void existing in the field of applied geography. This would lead to the achievement of a scientifically more meaningful and socially more committed geography.