Placing the post-extractive moment: experiential evidence and historical accounts in the Central Appalachian coalfields

Thesis

Through concepts of space and place, this work considers at length the post-extractive moment in Central Appalachia as it relates to conceptions of identity and development. Complex historical trajectories of resource extraction complicate the Central Appalachian narrative, as evidenced and explored through the lens of community voices and community elites. Competing visions of 'development' for the region are apparent, giving credence and conversation to the concept of a single plan for development or a singular experience of resource extraction. Within these themes deeply located in the rich history and economic trajectory of Central Appalachia, this work also explores the discipline of 'development' as a whole, making arguments for a more robust and thick depiction of how 'development' is considered and labeled. Through post-development theories of power and place, this work argues that power and place are thickly entwined and defy easy categorization of places located in the Global North, but experiencing conditions of under-development more common in the Global South - thus challenging paradigms of development thought itself.

Authors: Scalos, M

• Type of award: MPhil
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: International development