Puzzles in the Comparative Study of Frontiers: Problems, Some Solutions, and Methodological Implications

Authors

  • Thomas D. Hall Depauw University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jwsr.2009.332

Abstract

This paper examines ways in which world-system analysis can be employed fruitfully to explore frontier social processes. Conversely, it also examines how frontier social processes and events can be very valuable explorations of highly localized processes ? geographically and temporally ? of world-systems. The study of frontier regions can help to uncover the ways in which many world-systemic contexts shape local human agency. Conversely, the study of these highly localized human practices offers ways to gain insights to how individual actions constantly reconstruct world-systems. Finally, many of the lessons learned here with respect to frontiers, especially in regard to ethnic and national identity formation and transformation can be extended to other social concerns.
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Published

2009-02-26

How to Cite

Hall, T. D. (2009). Puzzles in the Comparative Study of Frontiers: Problems, Some Solutions, and Methodological Implications. Journal of World-Systems Research, 15(1), 25–47. https://doi.org/10.5195/jwsr.2009.332

Issue

Section

Methodological Issues in Macro Comparative Research

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