Historical geography materialism and spatial justice theory were put forward in the late 20th century. Internally, this is related to his strong interest in geography since he was born in a working-class family. The former enables them to develop the habit of independent thinking and the ability to be sensitive to social reality; The latter makes it develop a cognitive form that likes to visit geography on the spot. However, he saw the limitations of traditional geography. Geographical knowledge is too scattered and lacks a complete theoretical system to summarize specific geographical knowledge. Harvey believes that seeking empirical geography? Meta theory? Or universal principles are not only possible, but also necessary.

? At that time, the world economic and political social environment provided external impetus for Harvey's transformation. In the late 20th century, socialism was frustrated in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and Marxism was also questioned. At this time, Harvey's research on geography is no longer just devoted to the construction of theoretical system, but pays more attention to the social field. He keenly observed that due to the wave of economic globalization, the world economic center has shifted in the spatial dimension. It is not enough to study the current changes only with historical materialism. However, if you correctly introduce spatial elements on the basis of historical materialism, you will understand the present situation. Have a new understanding of the world. Of course, in this transformation process, historical materialism, Lefebvre's French Marxist theory of space production and the academic transformation of space theory are gradually stepping onto the historical stage, and relevant theoretical preparations are also essential.

? Finally, Harvey integrated the dimension of geographical space into the perspective of historical materialism and emphasized the importance of space. At the same time, he pointed out that historical materialism overemphasized time and ignored the limitations of space. This enables Harvey to critically inherit Marxism from a new perspective. On the basis of theory, he always insisted on his own theoretical innovation, that is, historical and geographical materialism, took the academic road and gradually formed his own theory of spatial social construction. Harvey consciously constructed the theory of spatial social construction from the perspective of historical materialism, which is more accurate and appropriate.