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Question

Why did the Welfare Approach in Human Geography emerge as a significant perspective in 1970s?

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

The Welfare Approach emerged as a significant perspective in Human Geography during the 1970s, largely as a critical reaction to the prevailing "quantitative revolution." While quantitative geography had provided sophisticated tools for analyzing spatial patterns, it often overlooked the humanistic and social implications of these patterns.

Geographers adopting the Welfare Approach felt a moral imperative to focus on social justice, inequality, and human well-being. They critiqued the perceived neutrality of earlier approaches and argued that geography should address real-world problems. The 1970s were a period of heightened social consciousness, with growing awareness of disparities in access to resources, housing, healthcare, and education both within and between regions. The Welfare Approach sought to identify who gets whatwhere, and how, paying particular attention to vulnerable and marginalized groups. It shifted the focus from abstract spatial models to understanding the lived experiences of people and advocating for policies that promote equity and improve quality of life.

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