Economie et culture : regards croisés de la géographie

At a time when the market economy has never been stronger, occupying new geographical zones and new spheres of activity, the idea of culture is undeniably an inescapable dimension in economy and territories. Present in the way products are manufactured, exchanged, consumed, as in the products themselves, its diversity and creative force are surprising even while culture appears menaced by the dynamics of globalization. The paradox is only superficial; it originates in idea that culture and economy constitute distinct even contradictory spheres in society. I will demonstrate that this postulate, inherited from diverse theories, can be disputed. The cultural dimension of industry, witch conveys an association between ways of producing and the identity of the makers is not a new concept. It was expressed in geography in the early 20th century through the study of techniques. The role of techniques in economic and spatial organization remains central even today and influences our representations. The cultural industries offer new perspectives to geography hallmarked as they are by unprecedented phenomenon of diffusion. © 2007 Lavoisier, Paris. Tous droits réservés.