Yesterday, I had an unexpected encounter with a piece of literature that, given my research interests, I’ve had in the stable for a while: the seminal hazards text “The Environment as Hazard” by Burton, Kates, and White (1978/1993).
The reference was unexpected because I came across it in a political ecology paper I was re-reading. Walker (2005), in describing the “roots and branches” of the subdiscipline, identifies hazards research as one of three main influences, following Watts’ (2002) elaboration of the same.
I’ve had both of these works kicking around in my orbit for over a year and a half, and somehow did not see the connection – did not even appear to appreciate the reference in Walker until (reference-ception) I was forced back into the Walker article in order to make sure I understood a reference to it by yet another source.
Nothing truly makes sense or is useful to me until I can come at it through the side door.
This is good to know. It makes me feel better about switching to a method where I go back and forth between subjects, not letting myself get mired down in one for more than a week. I was afraid I’d forget things – and OH have I – but it’s strengthened other associations in ways that I think will be far more important to the finished product.
MY BARBARIC MAUP 