GEOGRAPHICAL NETWORKS IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION: A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT THE URBAN NETWORK HISTORICITY AND THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Networks configure and reconfigure the space these days. Under this assumption, we seek to understand what those are and how they can contribute, theoretically and methodologically, in order to know the dynamics and spatial processes which has occurred in the contemporary age, marked by globalization. Consequently, it comes the proposal to understand the concept of network throughout the history of geographical thought, beside thinking about its applicability as a theoretical-methodological resource to understand socio-spatial processes in the present time. In this regard, we will make a brief historical recollection regarding the concept of geographical networks by bringing important authors who have already debated on this subject, such as: Leila Dias, Roberto Lobato Correa and Eliseu S. Sposito, Marcio Jose Catelan and Maria E.B Sposito, as those who have contributed to the deepening of the debate on the subject/issue. In addition to these researchers, we bring Milton Santos's approach on the subject of globalization and his definition of Technical-Scientific-Informational milieu (MTCI). These authors will help to place the concept of geographical networks at the center of the discussion, which in our view is crucial to understand today's globalized world.