Human Geo 10.2 Questions Flashcards
What are semi-periphery regions and what is the global distribution of core and periphery regions?
Since the original formation of the world systems theory, semi-periphery countries (either intermediate in level of economic development or situated close to core and periphery regions) have been important. The relationship between developed and developing countries appears (on a traditional projection) to be north-south (except for the South Pacific). However, a north polar projection shows the core-periphery relationship between the regions.
How does global investment arrive from the core?
Through hierarchical diffusion of decisions made by transnational corporations. Particular core and periphery regions have special connections (ex. Latin America development is closely tied to govts and businesses in North America; Africa and Eastern Europe tied to Western Europe; and Asia to Japan and a little Europe/North America).
Brazil & Turkey (very populous and large) fall in the middle of the pack in HDI. In what 2 ways can the extent of the inequality within them be seen?
- The difference between HDI and IHDI (Brazil has much more inequality).
- Differences in GDP per capita among states/provinces within the countries. (GDP per capita ranges from $4,000 to $20,000).
Inequality can also be seen in contrasts among neighborhoods in cities of developing countries.
How do developed countries have regional internal variations in GDP per capita?
In the UK, Central London incomes are 2x as high as in some northern areas. Int he US, GDP per capita is 22% above the national average in New England (wealthy) and 10% below it in the Southeast (poor, and it was 40% below the national average in 1950, so this gap is much lower than in the 20th century).
Describe the widening inequality in the US:
While US regional inequality has been reduced, the overall gap between rich and poor has increased. Inequality was reduced in the 20th (because developed countries used money to extend healthcare/education to more people and gave financial assistance to the poor). Since 1980, though, inequality has increased in most developed countries (like US and UK).
Where is gender inequality the worst and best in the world and why?
Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southwest Asia & North Africa have the worst due to poor reproductive health and poor female empowerment. 21 countries (including 17 in Europe, and Canada) have GIIs less than 0.1. The US’ GII rank is 36, but it is 12th in HDI. This is due to a much higher birth rate among teenage women and higher maternal mortality rate. The % of women in national legislature is lower in the US than in other countries with high HDIs.
What is the overall GDI in the world? Describe changes/ improvements in GII over time.
- The overall GDI in the world is .941 (the average female HDI is 94.1% of males’ HDI). The average GDI in developed countries is .983, but is .917 in developing countries.
- Gender inequality has declined since the ’90s in all but 4 of 138 countries. The greatest improvement has been in Southwest Asia & North Africa. The US has had a relatively modest improvement in gender inequality.
Describe the term empowerment in the context of gender inequality.
The ability of women to achieve improvements in their own status (to achieve economic and political power). It’s measured in GII by 2 indicators: % of seats held by women in national legislature, and % of women who have completed high school. In every country of the world, fewer women than men hold political power positions.
Describe countries where women occupy positions in the national government:
Although more women than men vote in most places, only 3 countries (Bolivia, Cuba, and Rwanda) have a majority of women in their national parliament. The highest %s are in Europe, and lowest rates in Southwest Asia & North Africa. In the US, 24% of the House of Representatives were female in 2019 (compared to 19% in 2018). Canada’s House of Commons was 26% female, and the UK’s House of Commons was 32% women.
How do female labor force participation rate figures vary among developing regions?
South Asia and Southwest Asia & North Africa have substantial gaps between male and female labor participation, but East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have small gaps. Women hold jobs in agriculture/services in sub-Saharan Africa, even while they have the world’s highest fertility rates.
Describe female empowerment regarding secondary school:
Globally, 62% of women have completed some secondary (high) school, compared to 71% of men. In North America, girls are more likely than boys to complete some high school, and boys are slightly ahead in Europe (and much more ahead in developing countries). For every 10 boys who attend high school in developing countries, 6 girls attend. The gap in education between boys and girl is especially high in South Asia.
What is Maternal Mortality Rate and what does it look like worldwide?
The amount of women who die giving birth per 100,000 births. The rate is 16 in developed countries and 171 in developing (high in sub-Saharan Africa). The MMR has declined worldwide by over 50% over the past 30 years, and dramatic improvements have been seen in sub-Saharan Africa & Asia. The US is one of only 13 countries where the rate has increased since 1990.
Describe the gaps/variations in 3 GII measurements between the 50 US states:
- Empowerment- Legislatures: 40% of legislators in AZ and VT are women, compared to only 11% in WY.
- Employment- Female Labor Force Participation: less variation, but is 50% in WV and 67% in Alaska.
- Reproductive Helath- Teenage Birth Rates: varies widely, from 10/1,000 in New England to over 30 in the South.
