Introduction : Heritage and Scale

Abstract

In geography, the notion of scale has been discussed within diverse theoretical frameworks. The concept of geographical scale indicates socio-spatial organization within a bounded geographical area – usually labelled as size (such as province or continent) or level (such as global, national, regional, local, and even household). Besides these 'technical' definitions, recent research also includes more nuanced elaborations. The introductory chapter discusses four conceptualizations for understanding and utilizing the concept of scale that are critical in underscoring the power relations in heritage. These conceptualizations – scale as a hierarchy, scale as an instrument of power, scale as a process, and scale as a network – function as a point of departure in developing 'politics of scale' as a theoretical and methodological approach. ; Peer reviewed