The potential for Assemblage thinking in population geography: Assembling population, space, and place

Abstract

This study explores “Assemblage” thinking as an approach to population geography research. The paper highlights the recent prominence of Assemblage thinking in human geography, before exploring the potential opportunities for engagement by population geographers. In particular, we focus on the production of place as co-constituted by the material (space) and the discursive (knowledge, process, and practice). Considering the Assemblage practice of “Rendering Technical,” we reflect on the role that population geography plays in authorising knowledge and supporting policy. This is investigated through a critical taxonomic analysis of recent Scottish demographic data. It is argued on the one hand that this captures key economic and population characteristics of “place,” while on the other hand, it offers a limited technical knowledge. We conclude that a reflexive approach to research using Assemblage thinking may challenge the intimate relationship between population geographers and the state.