Fundamentals of Human Geography
Global Communities and Resources: Critical Perspectives
Fundamentals of Human Geography
In this module we will explore the concepts related to what is known as human geography. This topic represents the study of human populations, which includes population density, population growth, emigration and immigration, diasporas, and refugee situations. We will also study what geographers call cultural landscapes, which is the analysis of how different cultures coexist within a given geographic space. We will conclude the module by looking at issues surrounding economic development in the third world, and realities of new international economic orders.
Introduction
Objectives
At the end of the module, the student will be able to:
Explain the terms population growth, population density, emigration, immigration, diaspora, and refugee.
Describe the relationship dynamics that exist between varying cultural groups, and the impact of those relationships on economic trade and cultural landscapes.
Identify and describe the elements that guide international trade, and the relationship between those elements and geopolitics.
Population Growth
Population Density
Emigration
Immigration
Refugee
Diaspora
Terms
Population growth represents the increase of people (citizens) within in a particular geographic area. The implications of growth are that jobs need to be created, natural resources have to be redistributed, and political districts have to be redrawn.
Population density represents the number of men, women, and children living in a geographic area, measure per square mile. The more dense the population per square mile, the more public services and jobs are required. Natural resources and infrastructure (roads and bridges and waterways) have to be redistributed or modified.
Emigration is the process of people leaving a particular nation or region,
Immigration is the process of people entering a nation that they want to live in, usually for political or economic opportunity.
A refugee is a person that has been displaced from one nation or region involuntarily. This could be caused by danger from a war, or to escape a dire economic environment or a totalitarian government.
A diaspora is a mass emigration of a homogeneous ethnic or cultural population in order to leave political oppression or war. The unique aspect of this concept is that the ethnic group fleeing a region or nation disperse to many other nations.
5
Like natural landscapes, cultural landscape represents a concept that describes either homogeneous or heterogeneous ethnic groups within a particular region or nation.
It further analyzes the political and economic relationships between groups, focusing on their ability to be cooperative.
Economic activity refers to the buying and selling of goods and services within a region or nation, and across national borders. This is known as international trade.
The rules of trade between nations are governed by the political and economic environment of each nation.
Cultural Landscapes and Economic Activity
International trade can include finished goods, or natural resources, also called raw materials.
Human geography studies the interaction of populations with one another across regions and nations. Economic considerations are central to this relationship because the amount of trade determines (to some degree) the amount and quality of jobs, and ultimately the standard-of-living of a nations’ citizens.
6
1st World Nations – also known as developed nations.
High levels of education
Enough high-paying jobs to sustain the amount of people in the labor force
Strong middle-class
Less political and economic corruption
Longer life-expectancies
Lower infant-mortality rates
Higher literacy rates
Wealth is determined by the amount and quality of goods and services produced
Economic Development in the Third World
7
2nd World Nations – also known as developing nations.
Emerging economy
Growing middle class
More private industry and lessening state-owned industry
More efficient use of natural resources
Expanding number of quality jobs
Increasing standard-of-living for citizens
Wealth is determined by the amount and quality of goods and services produced
Attractive for foreign investors
Economic Development and the Third World
The worldwide population is currently approximately 8 billion people. The implications for climate change, food supply, and natural resources are important.
Regional population analysis looks at the intersection of topography and peoples within a certain region. Questions are asked such as why do peoples choose a certain region to settle, how does the topography benefit those peoples, and what natural resources can be exploited by those peoples?
Population density refers to the number of people per square mile. These are permanent settlers, not emigrants traveling through. The implications are that regions with higher population density have a more difficult time with movement via infrastructure, and with housing and business placement.
The natural resources of a region have to be shared by the population. Non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels and minerals, once harvested, are depleted. Renewable resources such as water and agriculture still have to be managed closely to meet the needs of citizens.
Common ethnicities and cultures tend to live close to one another, but borders must be drawn and observed due to the differences in cultural practices and the need to allocate resources. This can create political conflict.
8
Economic Development in the Third World
3rd World Nation – also known as underdeveloped
Underdeveloped natural resources
Poor public services
Contaminated water
Poor electricity grid
Poor roads and bridges
Limited rail and airport access
Much political corruption
Small middle class, small upper class, large lower class
All economic indicators (life expectancy, education, etc.) low
It is important to note that third world nations represent the weakest links in the chain of international economics.
Foreign investment is limited because these nations do not have an economic environment that is encouraging of foreign investment. Companies fear the inability to make a profit. This limits jobs and tax revenues for the government, which perpetuates the cycle of poor services and poverty.
9
In this module you learned about the basic terms comprising the study of human geography. You studied the concepts surrounding population growth, cultural differences between groups of citizens within a given geographic area, and the realties of international economics. We looked at the role of economic development in the third world, and its impact on the standard of living for citizens within a given nation. Moving forward, we will take a look at geographic and economic problems in the contemporary world. Our focus will be on geopolitics, which is the political relationship between nations that have military or economic relationships, and the impact of those relationships on the study of human geography. Now that you have completed the activity, assignment and discussion for Module 5, you are now able to:
Explain the terms population growth, population density, emigration, immigration, diaspora, and refugee
Describe the relationship dynamics that exist between varying cultural groups, and the impact of those relationships on economic trade and cultural landscapes
Identify and describe the elements that guide international trade, and the relationship between those elements and geopolitics
Summary
Nijman, J., Muller, P., & Shin, M. (2020). Geography: Realms, regions, and concepts (18th ed.). Wiley. https://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=chapter&bcsId=11698&itemId=1119607361&chapterId=138544
Patrich, J. (2020). Physical geography (version 1). College of the Canyons. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/926
References
Review as many times as required the information contained in the module folder (includes this presentation).
Read the reference material to clarify any questions.
Carry out all the activities according to the instructions.
Submit assignments on the indicated date through the educational platform.
Congratulations you have reviewed the theoretical summary of this week’s topic!
Actively participate in collaborative sessions.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
