Critical Geography in the Age of the Social Justice Grift

Autori

  • James Esson Queen Mary University of London

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/acme.6mmen7-2697

Parole chiave:

critical geography, social justice grift, geographical praxis, disciplinary power

Abstract

This commentary offers a personal reflection on what Critical Geography is, what it can be, and what it must be. Rather than defining the field in prescriptive terms, I reflect on how Critical Geography functions as a praxis and orientation, one that can be dangerous and must have consequences. I explore the risks and responsibilities of critical work in an era of performative allyship and institutional co-optation. The piece ends by calling for continued inward critique, arguing that Critical Geography must challenge the discipline itself if it is to avoid reproducing the very structures of power and exclusion it seeks to contest.

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Two people at a protest facing away from the camera. One is holding a sign that reads "we repeat what we don't repair"

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Pubblicato

2026-03-19

Come citare

Esson, J. (2026). Critical Geography in the Age of the Social Justice Grift. ACME: An International Journal for Critical Geographies, 25(2), 121–126. https://doi.org/10.14288/acme.6mmen7-2697

Fascicolo

V. 25 N. 2 (2026): Special Issue: What Is Critical Geography, What Can, and What Must It Be?

Sezione

SI: What is Critical Geography, What Can, and What Must It Be?

Licenza

Copyright (c) 2026 James Esson

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