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Moving beyond walkability: On the potential of health geography

Author

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  • Andrews, Gavin J.
  • Hall, Edward
  • Evans, Bethan
  • Colls, Rachel

Abstract

In the context of the substantial volume of research focused in recent years on the walkability of the built environment, this report presents some initial thoughts on what the sub-discipline of health geography might be able to contribute, beyond what it currently does, to existing debates. It is posited that at one level this contribution could be critical yet constructive, focussing on the limitations of current epistemological and methodological approaches but offering ideas on how they and others might be developed. At another level, given the limited scope of existing walkability research, a further contribution could be to pay attention to different forms of embodiment, movement activities, their relationships to health, and the places, experiences, agency and cultures involved.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrews, Gavin J. & Hall, Edward & Evans, Bethan & Colls, Rachel, 2012. "Moving beyond walkability: On the potential of health geography," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(11), pages 1925-1932.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:75:y:2012:i:11:p:1925-1932
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.08.013
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    5. Ottoni, Callista A. & Sims-Gould, Joanie & Winters, Meghan & Heijnen, Myrthe & McKay, Heather A., 2016. "“Benches become like porches”: Built and social environment influences on older adults’ experiences of mobility and well-being," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 33-41.
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    7. Coen, Stephanie E. & Rosenberg, Mark W. & Davidson, Joyce, 2018. "“It's gym, like g-y-m not J-i-m”: Exploring the role of place in the gendering of physical activity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 29-36.
    8. Mariano Gallo & Mario Marinelli, 2020. "Sustainable Mobility: A Review of Possible Actions and Policies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-39, September.
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