Discuss the contention that rural spaces in the global north have Essay

Discuss the contention that rural spaces in the global north have become landscapes of consumption, rather than traditional landscapes of production - Essay Example duction thesis with reference to the concrete background of the wider changes taking place in the rural spaces of the global north in general and the countryside of the UK in particular. The means livelihood of the rural population in the developed world has substantially altered by the forces of globalisation and corresponding integration of the world economy. The migration of the urban workers who are however embedded in the urban lifestyles and cultures, to the rural areas is one of the primary factors that bring consumerist culture into the countryside. Cloke et.al asserts that â€Å"consumption demands are the driving force of change in the countryside and its rural economy† (Cloke et.al. 2006. p.125). Also, the market for rural amenity products has strengthened in an unprecedented manner along with the global intensification of the market network which is intensified by the free market policies of the governments in the Global North. Traditionally, agriculture has been the stronghold of the rural economy even in the advanced countries. Even in countries like the UK, agriculture and related businesses was the mainstay of the rural economy. However, the reality is that, historically speaking, rural economy was not constituted by agriculture alone as it is misconceived by many. A variety of economic functions had been taking place on the rural spaces for time immemorial. From 18th century onwards, Woods (2005) indicates that urban wealth and capital has been exported to rural areas, which is capable of altering the rural geography in a high pace. Landowners in the rural areas used to use their land for non-agricultural purposes such as hunting, entertainment and timber sale. The particularities of the World War II situation were the factors that laid heavy impact on the agricultural production in the rural areas. The amenity lobby too emerged following the profound changes brought about by World War II. The fact is that productive jobs have paved way for