| dc.description.abstract | In a comprehensive outline the author examines the basic notions of structural and functional analysis, the
transition from the descriptive interpretation of connections and interdependencies in anthropogeography to the
concept of spatial structures and of function in economic geography. She presents the attitude adopted by the
leading geographers to the theory of systems: different interpretations and applications of the structural and
functional methods and the diversified interpretation of the two methodological trends both in geography itself and
in the related sciences. Upon studying the existing publications on the subject, she discusses the relation in
which these methods and trends of research are to historical and dialectical materialism, as an integrating research
trend. Againts this background she discusses the basic theoretical premises of economic geography, among others the
role of connecting links from one area to another, performed by the relations of production, labour and
services, as well as three aspects of research: the static, the functional, and the dynamic aspect.
On the basic of the discussed theoretical conceptions the Polish studies in economic geography are developing, their
main trend after the second world war concerned with problems of regional structures, with analysing fragmentary
elements of spatial structure, the complexity and diversity of regional structures and systems and their dynamics.
Simultaneously spatial structure is being analysed from the standpoint of the function and type of the main
principal centres: centres of production, transport, and services. Attempts have been already made to relate
empirical research with the theory of systems in order to determine the systems typical of the spatial structure of
the regions. | en_EN |
