Toward a behavioral theory of regionalization

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of regionalization from a social science perspective. The author presents a theory of regionalization based on an elementary model of human action. Regions are classified according to the various phases of adaptive human behavior which they represent. The dynamism of regions is shown to derive from the interaction of these phases. Examples are given of how regions generate regions. The paper calls attention to the often unanticipated political consequences of scientific regionalization.