Possibilism(ivaare ) in Geography
= The concept of Possibilism came about
as a reaction to environmental
determinism. In environmental
determinism, human beings are
treated as a passive element. But the
concept of Possibilism believed that
man was always an active agent in the
environment.
With the advancement of knowledge,
science, and technology of human
society, they change the environment
according to their own accord.
Agriculture is an example of this.
Human activity is not controlled by
only environmental factors.
The theory of possibilism states that
the world is full of possibilities, it is up
to humans how they use it.
Examples ,
« Israel lacks basic natural resources
such as water. They innovated drip
irrigation systems and vertical
farming to overcome the food shortage
in the country. Israel's agricultural
techniques for farming today are
world-class, they are far ahead in
terms of agricultural productivity and
they are now exporting many
agriculture products.
In India, we are cultivating rice
through canal irrigation in Rajasthan
while it is desert.The above activity is happening because the
environment is allowing us to do it in other
ways. This belief comes from possibilism thought
in geography.
The French geographer, Paul Vidal dela
Blache[1845 to 1918] was the founder of
French's human geography. He was the first to
propound possibilism in geography.
As per Vidal de la Blache,
= Nature only sets limits and provides
many possibilities for human
settlement. But the way man adjusts to
the environment depends on his own
way of life and not only on the
environment.
As per Vidal la Blache,
= The environment sets some limits but
does not completely control human
culture.
The lifestyle of people defines the
culture and Lifestyle is the product of
civilization.
Variations in foods, habits, culture, etc
are also found in a similar
environment. If the environment
dictates completely, then these
variations can not exist.
= The environment is not a dictator, it is
just an advisor. Example:
= Under hydroponics
technology, humans can
grow vegetables without
using soil.= Tea, coffee, rubber can be
cultivated in the tundra
under artificial
environmental conditions
created by humans.
Here the environment is
restraining in one way and
allowing us to do the same
in another way.
= Environment limits some possibilities
but gives other possibilities.
= The environment prevents
rice cultivation in the rain-
fed area but gives other
possibilities that are the
cultivation of Bajara, barley,
etc
French geographer, Mr. Lucien Febvre [1878
to 1956] opposed the concept of determinism,
and give his own concept of possibilism theory in
geography.
‘ebvre 's_possibilism concept:
« The world is full of possibilities.
« Nature provides many possibilities,
and possibilities can be increased
through knowledge, innovation, and
technological advancement
= Man is not a passive element, man is
the active agent. Man can create, alter,
destroy the environment.
= Man is the not product of the
environment, man is the product of
culture and the environmentCriticism of Possibilism:
= Possibilism has overemphasized the
role of culture and civilization. The
role of the environment is neglected, it
may lead to environmental loss.
= Possibilism can create environmental
problems if we act against nature.
Examples,
= We are facing climate
change problems due to
pollution and Greenhouse
gas emissions.
Facing the problem of
Landslide, earthquake, etc
due to dam building ina
hazardous prone area.
Facing floods due to silting
of the river from mining
and deforestation.
Facing dengue outrage in
part of Rajasthan, Punjab,
Haryana due to
waterlogging around the
canal.
= There are no unlimited possibilities in
the all-region. Possibilities vary from
region to region.
= Possibilities are not economically
viable against the environment all the
time. For example, rice cultivation in
the rainfed area is possible but not
economically viable.