Economic crises and instability are inherent to capitalist economies, often having profound effects on regional economies and individual livelihoods. As a result, understanding how to achieve resilient regional economies has become a central focus of research in economic geography. In the wake of the 2007–2008 financial crisis, economic geographers have concentrated on how regions are impacted and what macro-level factors drive recovery, reorganization, or stagnation. While these macro-scale dynamics are important, they often overlook a crucial question: how do individuals and communities adapt to, and cope with economic shocks? This thesis shifts the focus to the lived experiences of those affected by crisis, examining how people cope with the losses brought on by economic upheaval in their daily lives, and how this reshapes their spatial relationships. Empirically, this research draws on the experiences of Danish mink farmers who lost their farms in 2020 due to the political decisions following COVID-19 pandemic. Through qualitative interviews, the study highlights how everyday practices—often neglected in macro- and meso-level analyses—not only help sustain livelihoods during crises but also challenge the structural inequalities of geographically peripheral regions. Beyond policy measures and economic structures, resilience in geographically peripheral regions is deeply embedded in social reproduction, cross-scalar networks, everyday familiarity, and the rhythms of socio-natural life. 

Through three articles analysing how people cope with economic crises using different theoretical frameworks, this study offers a micro-scale perspective on regional economic resilience. Empirically it highlights the crucial role of cross-scalar networks—both formal and informal—that people rely on to manage economic and social challenges. These networks are essential for counteracting uneven spatial power dynamics, supporting economic activities, and sustaining daily life (Paper 1). Furthermore, this thesis shows that economic crises are not only structural disruptions but also deeply personal and emotional experiences. Beyond the loss of employment, individuals often feel stranded—not just because their skillsets become redundant, but also due to their emotional attachment to their professions and ways of life (Paper 2). Finally, the research shows how the dismantling of industries disrupts the socio-natural rhythms that structure agricultural work, profoundly affecting individuals' relationships with both their environment and their livelihoods (Paper 3). This disruption extends beyond technical expertise, fundamentally altering how people engage with their surroundings. 

On a broader level, the findings emphasize that regional economic resilience is not solely about macro-scale economic production. It is deeply intertwined with social reproduction—the everyday, often invisible labor that sustains households, communities, and local economies. The contributions of family members, community groups, and local support networks are essential for maintaining livelihoods and ensuring social stability. Moreover, resilient regional economies are not just those that sustain economic production but also those that invest in and uphold resilient public services. Resilience, therefore, is not just an economic outcome but a collective process, shaped by relationships, interdependence, and the institutions that support everyday life.